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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Non-invasive Optical Imaging of the Lymphatic Vasculature of a Mouse
Published on: March 8, 2013
A useful algorithm for determining fluence and pulse width for vascular targets using 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser in an
Serdar Ozturk1, John Hoopman, Spencer A Brown
1Clinical Center for Cosmetic Laser Surgery, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. jeffery.kenkel@utsouthwestern.edu
Background And Objectives:
Many current parameters to ablate vascular beds using 1,064 nm lasers are based on high-energy settings and often fail to consider vessel diameter and/or pulse width. This study attempts to define the minimal effective dosage (MED) of energy and pulse width for specific vessel diameters in an animal model.
Study Design/Materials And Methods:
1,064 nm Nd: YAG was used in 15 Sprague-Dawley rats. Bilateral extended dorsolateral skin flaps were elevated and vessel diameters from 0.1 to 1 mm were identified. Pulse widths (PW) in a range of 15-60 milliseconds and fluences between 70-110 J/cm2 with contact cooling at 5 degrees C (Celsius) were utilized. Results were determined clinically and histologically.
Results:
Ideal pulse width and MED for each vessel diameter were determined using a 6 mm spot size. Histology showed early hemostasis and subsequent thrombosis, which are consistent with clinical findings.
Conclusions:
This model allows in vivo monitoring of vessel ablation. Optimal pulse width and MED levels versus vessel diameter determined in this animal model provide a useful algorithm that may allow for more effective treatment of vascular targets utilizing the 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser.
