Abstract

Following the theory of “selective photothermolysis” [1], pulsed lasers were specifically designed during the 1980’s for treatment of pediatric portwine stains (PWS) [2]. 585 nm (yellow) pulsed dye lasers, with a pulse duration of 0.45 msec, cause selective microvascular damage and are at present the standard for treatment of pediatric PWS [3-7]. However, pulsed dye laser treatment usually requires a series of treatments, and is often only partially effective. Gross purpura occurs after each treatment, posing a further cosmetic problem for patients. Adult PWS tend to respond less better presumably because of the change in vessel size and depth with aging.

© 1997 Optical Society of America