WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS OF A LASER IN THE TREATMENT OF VARICOSE VEINS?
Even though the ND-YAG laser is the preferred laser, the absorption coefficient of haemoglobin (our heater) continues to be low. This means that only part of the delivered light energy is used up, making it necessary to use higher energies. This translates into more uncomfortable sessions and the possibility of thermal damage to the skin. Moreover, vessels over 4 mm in diameter fall outside the treatment range.
The classic alternative to mitigate this problem is to use any of the different cooling systems available, , either in the form of cold gels, airflow at 4°C or refrigerated glass in contact with the skin. This improves patient tolerability and prevents possible damage to the skin´s surface due to excess heat, but does not eliminate the problem of the 4 mm maximum diameter of veins.
The ideal scenario would be to improve the absorption coefficient of haemoglobin for this type of laser. Instituto Médico Láser has been focusing its clinical research line on this objective, having successfully developed the so-called PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY OF VARICOSE VEINS.