Laser treatment of vascular lesions

This book has several chapters on technologies such as argon, krypton, and copper lasers of historical interest, to the pulsed dye, KTP (Potassium titanyl phosphate) laser, alexandrite laser, diode and Nd:YAG lasers which are currently in use. The laser physics has been explained at length and is presented with clarity of thought for the practicing physicians. Properties of light, chromophore targets, laser interaction with tissue and photothermal effects of lasers are explained using easy to understand concepts. Fluence, irradiance, pulse width and the depth of the laser penetration and scattering help understand subsequent chapters. The chapter on pulsed dye laser helps understand the concept of a high power flash lamp which stimulates the dye rhodamine to produce a pulse of yellow light. Bigger vessels and thicker lesions can be targeted. Vascular malformations and syndromes are classified as high flow and slow flow and how the Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) is an excellent treatment for port wine stain.

Multiple photographs of various conditions are included and the numerous conditions that are amenable to therapy by various lasers are also listed.

The Nd:YAG laser has been the most difficult to conceptualize for the clinical dermatologist. The chapter explains clearly how the wavelength can be tuned to target blood vessels, hair, verrucae, photorejuvenation and onychomycosis as this wavelength is absorbed by haemoglobin, water and melanin. Complications such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, purpura, scarring and infection are discussed with measures to prevent, recognize and rectify them.

This book is of value to practicing dermatologists as it is small in size and concise in content.