Treatment of venous malformations with an intense pulsed light source (IPLS) technology: A retrospective study

The intense pulsed light source (IPLS) technology provides an innovative concept in the treatment of vascular lesions. We investigated the effectiveness of IPLS in the treatment of venous malformations.

A retrospective study of 11 patients with venous malformations (VMA) treated with IPLS was initiated. Clinical VMA characteristics recorded were size and location. Data collected included treatment parameters (filters, pulse duration, fluence, and pulse sequencing), % clearance, and side effects (e.g., swelling, blisters, crusting, pain, altered pigmentation, and scarring).

Good and very good (70-100%) clearance was achieved in 8 malformations smaller than 100 cm(2). Especially small lesions needed only 2-3 treatments. Three VMA larger than 100 cm(2) could be cleared well in an average of 18 sessions. The most frequently used parameters were the 590 nm filter in long pulse mode, triple pulses, and fluences at an average of 80.4 J/cm(2). Side effects included prolonged erythema in 23.6, swelling in 17.9%, crusting in 4.7%. Bleeding, hypo-, hyperpigmentation, and scarring were rare (0.9% respectively).

IPLS presents an effective method for treating VMA, especially small malformations, with a justifiable rate of side effects when optimal parameters are chosen.