Abstract / Summary
ABSTRACT Objectives This exploratory pilot study aims to characterize effective laser settings and evaluate the clinical outcomes and tolerability of a dual‐wavelength 532/1064‐nm KTP/Nd: YAG laser system compared to a 595‐nm pulsed dye laser with cryogen spray cooling, across multiple vascular indications, including port‐wine capillary malformations (PWCM), erythematous scars, rosacea, venous lakes, and vascular lesions associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Study Design and Methods Adults with cutaneous vascular conditions were treated with 532/1064‐nm KTP/Nd: YAG and 595‐nm PDL on one to four test spots. Optimal parameters were chosen by the study team. Subjects assessed pain/discomfort (Scale 0–10), edema (Scale 0–4), redness (Scale 0–4), purpura (Scale 0–4), and overall improvement (Scale 0‐4) post treatment. Blinded physician assessments were collected at the completion of the study. Results Twenty‐five subjects completed study procedures. The average pulse duration was 10 ms for 532‐nm and 1.8 ms for 595‐nm laser. Among subjects treated with both lasers and at selected settings, subject‐reported outcomes indicated significantly higher pain scores, redness, and purpura following PDL treatment ( p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for swelling or perceived improvement. In subjects with PWCM, physician‐blinded evaluations judged both laser clinical outcomes as equivalent in 60.3% of cases, with KTP/Nd: YAG favored in 25.4% and PDL in 14.3%. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that both 532/1064‐nm KTP/Nd: YAG and 595‐nm PDL are effective in the treatment of cutaneous vascular lesions. At selected settings, subjects reported significantly less pain, redness, and purpura following KTP/Nd: YAG treatment compared to PDL.