A multi-spectral dermatoscope was used to investigate the effect of laser hair removal. Ten volunteers underwent three laser treatments, 6 weeks apart. In a subsequent trial, three volunteers received one laser treatment after which the skin region was imaged at short intervals. Practical solutions were developed to re-locate the investigated skin area. After exact matching using rigid and elastic registration software, the images showed acute and delayed effects on the hairs, pigment and vasculature after laser hair removal and subsequent healing response. The multi-spectral dermatoscope provides a perfect tool to study the efficacy and side effects of laser hair removal procedures and can be used to optimize the treatment plan.
There can be a large variation in response between laser treatments of vascular malformations like port-wine stains even in one patient. This could be ascribed to variations in the skin properties like tint (melanin) and perfusion (redness) which will influence the effectiveness of the laser dosimetry.
To obtain a better understanding of the relation between skin properties just before treatment, laser dosimetry and clinical response, a multi-spectral dermatoscope is applied. A sequence of calibrated images is captured from 400 to 720 nm. Images at the treatment laser wavelength (532 nm) show the absorbing structures during laser exposure. Images of different treatment sessions of one patient were matched with dedicated registration software to quantify the results of the laser treatment (change in blood vessels structure, effect on pigment). For feasibility, images were collected from 5 patients and used to determine the optimal wavelength combination strategies. The image matching software gives an objective impression of the improvement, e.g. the clearing of the port-wine stain over time or pigment reactions, which will facilitate the discussion with the patient about the end point of treatment.
The multi-spectral dermatoscope and software developed enables the evaluation of large patient series which will result in objective data to advise the dermatologist on the optimal laser dosimetry in future in relation to the skin properties.
A setup based on color Schlieren techniques has been developed to study the interaction of energy sources, such as lasers, with biological tissues. This imaging technique enables real-time visualization of dynamic temperature gradients with high spatial and temporal resolution within a transparent tissue model. High-speed imaging techniques were combined in the setup to capture mechanical phenomena such as explosive vapor, cavitation bubbles, and shock waves. The imaging technique is especially used for qualitative studies because it is complex to obtain quantitative data by relating the colors in the images to temperatures. By positioning thermocouples in the field of view, temperature figures can be added in the image for correlation to colored areas induced by the temperature gradients. The color Schlieren setup was successfully used for various studies to obtain a better understanding of interaction of various laser, rf, and ultrasound devices used in medicine. The results contributed to the safety and the optimal settings of various medical treatments. Although the interaction of energy sources is simulated in model tissue, the video clips have proven to be of great value for educating researchers, surgeons, nurses, and students to obtain a better understanding of the mechanism of action during patient treatment.
In this study, the efficacy and optimal settings of the CO2, Diode and cw Thulium laser systems were compared for various clinical applications in ENT, Lung and Neurosurgery. The experiments were performed using a specially developed setup, based on color Schlieren techniques, which enable real-time imaging of dynamic temperature gradients complimented with thermocouple measurements in a transparent tissue model in air and water. The CO2 and cw Thulium laser are both efficient in superficial tissue ablation with minimal coagulation depth. The cw Thulium laser, however, is fiber delivered and can also be used in a water. The Diode laser has a relatively deep coagulation effect. The ablation efficacy was enhanced by coating the fiber tip with carbon particles. Our thermal imaging technique was useful to develop new strategies making use of the advantages and overcoming the drawbacks of laser systems. The CO2, Diode and cw Thulium laser can be applied for similar clinical procedures using the optimal strategy and settings for each laser type. The cw 2 μm Thulium laser shows to be a versatile laser system for a broad range of applications both in air and water.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.