Pre-calculated relevant Nd: YAG laser parameters for optimized varicose veins treatment

Abstract

Full clearance of enlarged veins, without side effects, had always been the ultimate dream of patients. Varicose veins' treatment protocols were not very decisive and mostly associated with some side effects. The aim of this work is to demystify the exact dose of laser parameters; namely fluence and pulse duration, to successfully treat enlarged blood vessels in face, legs and arms without side effects. This necessitated the calculation of exact temperature rise of the targeted tissue before laser irradiation. The pre-calculated laser parameters required, for successful treatment, without side effects were tested to achieve optimum clinical results; using 1064nm pulsed Nd: YAG lasers for all skin photo types. For this work, two values of spot size (5mm and 3mm), variable pulse duration (15-30 ms), variable fluences (110-190 J/cm2) and variable skin cooling temperature (3-18oC) were used. Pre and post-cooling were found necessary to ensure positive results and minimal discomfort.