Percutaneous and combined percutaneous and intralesional Nd:YAG-laser therapy for vascular malformations.

The numerous types of vascular abnormality are classified in groups according to their pathological and anatomical features. We present case histories of 2 patients who had vascular malformations of the face since birth or early childhood. Application methods, side-effects and complications of percutaneous and intra-lesional Nd:YAG-laser therapy are reviewed for these patients. A 54-year-old woman was treated percutaneously with the Nd: YAG-laser at 1064 nm, with 20 30 W, cw 1-5 s pulses and 2 - 3 mm spot size. A 59-year-old woman was treated with the combined percutaneous and intralesional laser therapy with 30 W, cw 1-5 s pulses and 2-3 mm spot size. In both cases, percutaneous or combined percutaneous and intra-lesional Nd: YAG-laser application resulted in a significant shrinking of the lesion. The Nd:YAG-laser radiation at 1064 nm presents an effective treatment of vascular malformations due to its deep penetration into the tissue. No standardized guidelines for Nd: YAG-laser therapy exist and the treatment parameters should be chosen individually according to the type of vascular malformation.