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Dye-enhanced diode laser photothermal ablation of skin
D G Diven1, J Pohl, M Motamedi
1Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0783, USA.
Background:
Near-infrared diode lasers are promising new light sources. However, their applications for rapid and precise removal of tissue is limited because their radiation is poorly absorbed by most tissue.
Objective:
Our purpose was to determine the interaction of diode laser radiation with tissue by topically applying absorbing dye to enhance laser-tissue interaction and to examine the ability of this approach to create superficial and localized thermal effects in skin.
Methods:
Immediate and long-term responses of guinea pig skin to low-power (3 to 5 W X 1 sec) diode laser (805 nm) irradiation in conjunction with indocyanine green as a dye were studied. Tissue response was characterized on the basis of gross and histopathologic analysis of biopsy specimens taken at different times.
Results:
The observed depths of thermal damage with dye were greater than those produced by diode laser used alone at higher power settings (10 W X 1 sec).
Conclusion:
Interaction of diode laser radiation enhanced by topical application of dye causes localized superficial thermal effects in skin. This may offer a new modality in the treatment of superficial lesions.