Laser-Assisted Vascular Malformation Resection: A Novel Surgical Approach

Vascular malformations can be treated using sclerotherapy agents like alcohol, polidocanol, or sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam and embolization treatments. These endovascular treatments may cause severe complications as pulmonary embolism and thrombosis. 980-nm diode lasers (DLs) are common devices used by many specialties as plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and vascular surgeons. Laser energy is excellently absorbed in water and hemoglobin, which makes it ideal for adipose tissue and deep lesions. We treated our patient using a DL. Our surgical approach allowed total excision of the arteriovenous malformation (AVM), which decreased the size of the tumor allowing a smaller incision and eased the dissection plane. We believe that lasers will be used more frequently on AVM treatments.