Dye Laser Research Articles

Retraction Note: Optical, photo-physical and photo-stability characterizations of malachite green as a laser dye, combined with TD-DFT simulations

Retraction Note: Optical, photo-physical and photo-stability characterizations of malachite green as a laser dye, combined with TD-DFT simulations

Blue lasers using low-toxicity colloidal quantum dots.

Blue lasers play a pivotal role in laser-based display, printing, manufacturing, data recording and medical technologies. Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are solution-grown materials with strong, tunable emission covering the whole visible spectrum, but the development of QD lasers has largely relied on Cd-containing red-emitting QDs, with technologically viable blue QD lasers remaining out of reach. Here we report on the realization of tunable and robust lasing using low-toxicity blue-emitting ZnSe-ZnS core-shell QDs that are compact in size yet still feature suppressed Auger recombination and long optical gain lifetime approaching 1 ns. These characteristics allow us to handle the blue QDs like laser dyes for liquid-state amplified spontaneous emission and lasing. The blue QD laser is operated under quasi-continuous-wave excitation by solid-state nanosecond lasers. A Littrow-configuration cavity enables narrow linewidth (<0.2 nm), wavelength-tunable, coherent and stable laser outputs without circulating the solution. These results indicate the promise of ZnSe-ZnS QDs to fill the 'blue gap' of QD lasers and to replace less stable blue laser dyes for a multitude of applications.

Pulsed dye laser in jellyfish-induced keloids

ABSTRACT Jellyfish stings can cause acute inflammatory skin lesions that may hesitate in keloids. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) represents one of the most effective treatments for newly developed keloids. Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of PDL on newly developed keloids specifically induced by jellyfish stings in pediatric patients.We conducted a retrospective observational study on pediatric patients with newly developed keloids from jellyfish stings, treated in the last two years with 595 nm wavelength PDL with a duration of 0.45–1.5 msec, spot-size 7 mm and fluence 8.5–9.5 J/cm2. PDL therapy was administered for a mean of 7.4 treatment sessions, every 1–3 months. Two expert dermatologists evaluated the vascularity, pigmentation, height, and pliability of keloids, according to the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), pre-and-post treatment. A total of 17 patients (7 males, 10 females) were included in the study, mean age of 11 years. Overall, mean pre-treatment global VSS was 11.0 ± 1.50. After treatment, global VSS was 3.88 ± 1.87. At paired t-test, the difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment was highly statistically significant (p < .0001). Commonly, manipulation and therapeutic intervention on jellyfish scars and keloids is feared. The present study supports the use of PDL in keloids secondary to jellyfish stings, though conducted on a limited number of patients.

A case of resistant granuloma faciale successfully treated with ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser

ABSTRACT Granuloma faciale is a benign and rare skin disease, which usually presents as well-defined red-purple asymptomatic plaques or nodules on the face but can also present extra-facially. It poses a significant therapeutic challenge, with varying degrees of success reported by a range of medical and surgical treatments. We describe a 41-year-old lady with biopsy-confirmed facial granuloma faciale, affecting her nose, cheeks, upper lip, and forehead, who had failed a variety of medical treatments, UVB phototherapy, and pulsed dye laser. She was successfully treated with ablative fractional CO2 laser, with a sustained response, without recurrence or complications maintained for 1 year.

Spectral and Linear Optical Properties for New Mixture of Nile Blue and Malachite Green Organic Laser Dyes

Spectral and Linear Optical Properties for New Mixture of Nile Blue and Malachite Green Organic Laser Dyes

Topical Timolol for Treatment of Spider Angiomas in Children: A Case Series.

We report five cases of spider angiomas in children treated topically with timolol 0.5% (ophthalmic solution or gel-forming solution), for 6 months. Parents and patients were advised to apply one drop twice daily. Four of them showed either partial (2) or complete response (2) and only one patient had no clinical change. No adverse effects were reported. This pilot case series shows that topical timolol may prove useful as a noninvasive, available and well-tolerated treatment option for spider angiomas in children who seek a treatment alternative to pulsed dye laser.

Optical and Amplified Spontaneous Emission Properties of 4H-Pyran-4-Ylidene-2-Cyanoacetate Fragment Containing 2-Cyanoacetic Acid Derivative in PVK, PSU, or PS Matrix

Organic solid-state lasers are highly promising devices known for their low-cost fabrication processes and compact sizes and the tunability of their emission spectrum. These lasers are in high demand across various industries including biomedicine, sensors, communications, spectroscopy, and military applications. A key requirement for light-emitting materials used in a light-amplifying medium is a low threshold value of the excitation energy of the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). A newly synthesized non-symmetric red-light-emitting laser dye, Ethyl 2-(2-(4-(bis(2-(trityloxy)ethyl)amino)styryl)-6-tert butyl-4H-pyran-4-ylidene)-2-cyanoacetate (KTB), has shown great promise in meeting this requirement. KTB, with its attached bulky trityloxyethyl groups, has the ability to form amorphous thin films from a solution using a wet-casting method. Recent experiments have demonstrated that KTB exhibits a low ASE threshold value. This study focused on investigating the optical and amplified spontaneous emission properties of KTB in poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK), polysulfone (PSU), and polystyrene (PS) matrices at various concentrations. The results showed that as the concentration of the dye increased, a redshift of the photoluminescence and ASE spectra occurred due to the solid-state solvation effect. The lowest ASE threshold value of 9 µJ/cm2 was achieved with a 20 wt% concentration of KTB in a PVK matrix, making it one of the lowest excitation threshold energies reported to date.

Treatment of keloids with pulsed dye laser in a pediatric population

Several studies confirmed the role of Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) in successfully treating keloids. To our knowledge, this is the first study conducted entirely in children (&lt;14 years old). Case notes and photographic records of 16 pediatric patients with keloids treated with PDL at our centre between 2012 and 2019 were reviewed. The red tone of the lesion before the first treatment, number of sessions, clinical improvement, and the evaluation of the satisfaction of patients have been reported. An excellent clearance has been achieved in 7 out of 16 (43.8%) cases, a good-moderate clearance in 7 patients (43.8%), and a slight clearance in 2 patients (12.4%). No patients detected absent or low results. A total of 13 out of 16 patients (81.2%) were satisfied. Lesions of higher red-tone grades were able to take advantage of multiple treatment sessions. PDL is an effective treatment of keloids in the pediatric population, characterized by a good safety profile and high satisfaction. We observed good results treating the active remodeling lesions with a higher red tone. These data have to be confirmed with further studies in a larger set of pediatric patients.

Telangiectasia Macularis Multiplex Acquisita and its Potential Association with Calcium Channel Blockers: A Retrospective Study of 46 Chinese Patients.

Telangiectasia macularis multiplex acquisita is an acquired cutaneous telangiectasis of unknown aetiology, and it lacks both effective and cost-efficient treatment. This study aims to identify a novel potential associated factor of the disease and explore feasible therapeutic interventions. In this retrospective case series study, 46 Chinese patients diagnosed with telangiectasia macularis multiplex acquisita between 1 January 2007 and 18 May 2023 were included. The median age of onset was 43 years (23 to 60 years), and the male to female ratio was 10.5:1. Besides previously reported associations including chronic liver disorders, alcohol consumption, and smoking, a potential association was found between use of calcium channel blockers and development of telangiectasia macularis multiplex acquisita. Twenty-two of 27 hypertensive patients took calcium channel blockers, with 17 followed up. Ten out of 17 displayed a range of improvements following the cessation of calcium channel blockers; 1 patient reported no lesion change post-discontinuation of calcium channel blockers; 1 patient continued their medication but showed partial improvement after 2 pulsed dye laser treatments; 1 patient observed lesion colour lightening without altering hypertensive medication or other specific treatments; and another 4 kept their previous hypertensive regimen due to blood pressure stability concerns, with no change in their lesions. The study proposes that cessation of calcium channel blockers can be a novel therapeutic approach for affected individuals.

Cutaneous Collagenous Vasculopathy: A Retrospective Clinical and Histopathologic Analysis of 34 Cases.

Cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy (CCV) is a rare acquired microangiopathy that commonly affects middle-aged, fair-skinned individuals. It presents with telangiectatic lesions involving the lower extremities. Histologic analysis is mandatory for diagnosis. To describe and characterize the patients diagnosed with CCV at the Mayo Clinic. A multicenter retrospective observational analysis was performed on patients with a clinical and histological diagnosis of CCV at the Mayo Clinic in Florida, Arizona, and Rochester from January 2000 to October 2023. The study included 34 patients, 22 (64.7%) females. The median age at diagnosis was 52 years (range, 12-80 years). CCV lesions were found to affect the lower extremities in 29 (85.3%) patients, followed by the trunk in 14 (41.2%). Nineteen (55.9%) patients presented 1 concomitant medical condition, 8 (23.5%) 2 conditions, and 5 (14.7%) 3 or more medical conditions, such as arterial hypertension 10 (29.4%), type 2 diabetes mellitus 3 (8.8%), hyperlipidemia 3 (8.8%), cardiac disease 3 (8.8%), and hematologic malignancy 3 (8.8%). Thirty-one patients (91.2%) were taking medications, with 19 (55.9%) taking 3 or more. Pathology staining revealed periodic acid-Schiff positivity in 23 of 34 cases (67.6%), and collagen IV in 26 of 34 cases (47.1%). Treatments included pulsed dye laser 3 (8.8%) and topical sirolimus 1 (2.9%). CCV is an uncommon microangiopathy that affects pediatric, middle-aged, and elderly patients. It involves the lower extremities, trunk, and upper extremities. Patients often present with associated metabolic and cardiovascular conditions and are usually taking at least 1 medication. Treatment options are limited.

Combinations of Energy-based Devices plus isotretinoin for management of acne and acne scars: A systematic review.

A 6-month interval between systemic isotretinoin (ISO) and the initiation of energy-based interventions has been recommended, due to concerns about keloid formation and delayed wound healing. While this postponement goes against the current trend of early intervention for acne scarring. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of combinations of ISO with energy-based devices (EBD). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were comprehensively searched up to April 2023 according to PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts to select articles. The quality of the literature was assessed for each study design. A total of 16 studies addressing the efficacy and safety of energy-based modalities combined with ISO were identified, including six randomized controlled trials (RCTs), two case series, seven cohort studies, and one case report. ISO combinations with intense pulsed light (IPL), fractional ablative CO2 laser, pulsed dye laser (PDL), non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) and fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMRF) have been tested for improving acne severity, acne scarring and erythema. The current evidence does not justify delaying the use of EBDs for patients who have recently undergone or are currently receiving ISO treatment. Evidence-based treatments such as PDL, NAFL, and FMRF etc. are suggested relatively safe and effective in treating acne and acne scarring.

Devices for treatment of nail psoriasis.

Nail psoriasis (NP) affects a significant proportion of cutaneous psoriasis patients, often leading to functional impairment and psychosocial distress. Despite available treatment options, challenges persist in achieving efficacy and with drug delivery, prompting investigation into novel therapeutic devices. A literature search was performed using the PubMed database for devices and lasers for NP on 17 October 2023 using the following search terms: device OR laser AND "nail psoriasis." Twenty-two articles were included describing treatment with pulsed dye laser, fractional carbon dioxide (CO<inf>2</inf>) laser, long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser, excimer laser, photodynamic therapy, intense pulsed light, and microneedling device. While some recent studies on use of therapeutic devices have shown promising results for NP treatment, current evidence supports an algorithmic approach including topical therapies, intralesional kenalog injections, and systemic therapies, depending on number of nails affected, presence of psoriatic arthritis, cutaneous psoriasis, comorbidities, and effect on quality of life. Laser therapy, although promising, requires further validation through extensive randomized trials before its inclusion in treatment regimens. These exploratory findings highlight emerging therapies that may expand the spectrum of options available. Use of lasers for NP treatment could provide dermatologists with a broader arsenal for customizing treatment plans that address individual patient needs, taking into account comfort, cost, and compliance to enhance overall patient outcomes.

Distribution of Port-Wine Birthmarks and Glaucoma Outcomes in Sturge-Weber Syndrome

PurposeTo identify which features of Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS) were most associated with glaucoma onset, severity, and treatment failure at a tertiary care center. DesignRetrospective cross-sectional study. SubjectsChildren who had SWS with and without glaucoma. MethodsElectronic health records were reviewed for all children with SWS presenting between 2014-2020. Examination and imaging findings from dermatology, neurology, and ophthalmology were collected. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with glaucoma-related outcomes. Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcomes included glaucoma development, progression to surgery, and treatment failure. Failure was defined as having a final intraocular pressure >21 mmHg, devastating complication, or ≤20/200 vision. ResultsTwenty-three of 44 SWS patients (52.3%) developed glaucoma, and 6 of 23 patients (26.1%) had both eyes affected. Sixteen of 29 eyes (55.2%) required surgery, and 29.6% overall met our failure criteria (mean follow-up: 5.1±4.3 years). Glaucoma diagnosis was associated with bilateral port wine birthmarks (PWB; OR 5.9; 95% CI 1.3-43.2), PWB with any lower eyelid involvement (OR 9.7, 95% CI 2.6-44.5), and choroidal hemangiomas (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.1-13.8), but was not associated with upper eyelid or leptomeningeal angiomas, seizures, prior hemispherectomy or pulsed-dye laser. Eyes that progressed to surgery were more likely to have PWB affecting the lower eyelid (OR 33.7, 95% CI 4.5-728.0). No clinical or demographic factors were associated with treatment failure. In most cases, angle surgery failed (72.7%) but was a temporizing measure before subconjunctival filtering surgery. ConclusionsLower eyelid and choroidal angiomas were associated with glaucoma diagnosis, suggesting a spatial relationship with SWS findings. However, leptomeningeal angiomas were not associated possibly because these are further from the eye.

Commentary on “Beyond infantile hemangiomas: A glimpse into overlapping rare syndromes emphasizing the vigilant screening for PHACE and LUMBAR syndromes”

Due to their complex etiology and pathogenesis, hemangioma-related syndromes, such as LUMBAR and PHACE, present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Despite advances, standardized diagnostic criteria, screening protocols, and treatment options still need to be developed. We report a rare case of a 1-month-old patient with nonspecific symptoms, including failure to thrive and poor feeding, associated with lumbosacral ulcers. The diagnosis revealed overlapping features of LUMBAR and PHACE syndromes, highlighting the broad phenotypic spectrum and suggesting a potential common etiology. This case underscores the need for heightened clinical suspicion among general practitioners, dermatologists, and vascular physicians to manage these conditions. Propranolol is widely used for treating infantile hemangiomas, but due to its side effects, alternative therapies need to be explored. Emerging treatments, such as Atenolol, Timolol, Carteolol, and pulsed dye lasers, offer promise but require further investigation. However, the most crucial aspect is the need for ongoing research into the mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and side effects of current and alternative treatments. This research is essential for developing a comprehensive, safe management algorithm for both low- and high-risk infantile hemangiomas. It demands sustained engagement and commitment from the medical and research communities, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing medical knowledge.

Defining the Treatment Window: Early Versus Late Pulsed Dye Laser Therapy for Posttraumatic and Surgical Scars in Asian Patients

ABSTRACTObjectivesThis retrospective study evaluates the effectiveness of pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatment in early versus late treatment groups for traumatic or postoperative scars. The study aims to determine the threshold between early and late treatment. Additionally, it investigates factors that may influence wound healing outcomes.MethodsThe medical records of 147 patients who underwent PDL treatment at our institution between January 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were patients receiving PDL treatment for traumatic or postoperative scars. Out of these patients, we selected those who were willing to receive telephone interviews or re‐visit at a scheduled time. Eventually, 52 participants were included in our study. A standardized questionnaire was administered to all participants during telephone interviews, encompassing inquiries regarding their medical history, treatment experiences, and the patient component of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Among the enrolled patients, 38 were contacted and interviewed via telephone, while the remaining 14 patients attended follow‐up visits where photographs of their current skin condition were captured. The pretreatment and latest follow‐up photographs obtained from the clinical database were independently scored in a blinded manner by two dermatologist reviewers using both the Vancouver Scar Scale and the Manchester Scar Scale.ResultsAmong the 52 patients, 43 (82.7%) were successfully treated with good response. The correlation coefficients between week‐to‐treatment initiation and posttreatment MSS and VSS among patients with good response were 0.50 (p &lt; 0.001) and 0.46 (p = 0.002), respectively. Given these findings, we established a treatment initiation threshold of 10 weeks, distinguishing patients into early and late treatment groups. The early treatment group showed borderline significantly lower posttreatment MSS and VSS scores than the late treatment group (MSS: 7.5 ± 2.1 vs. 9.3 ± 2.5, p = 0.011; VSS: 2.8 ± 2.0 vs. 4.5 ± 2.3, p = 0.011). Furthermore, both MSS and VSS of posttreatment showed significantly greater improvement in the early treatment group (4.4 ± 1.6 vs. 3.2 ± 1.9; p = 0.03 and 3.8 ± 1.8 vs. 2.8 ± 1.4; p = 0.04).ConclusionsEarly intervention using a PDL within 10 weeks post‐injury achieved better outcomes in treating traumatic and postoperative scars based on both clinical and patient opinions.

Timing of Laser Intervention on Facial Scars: A 3D Imaging and Scar Scale Analysis in a Retrospective Study.

Scars resulting from injuries or surgical procedures often present both physical and aesthetic challenges. Recent studies have indicated promising results in improving postoperative scar outcomes through the combined use of specific laser technologies. Nevertheless, there remains a crucial need for further exploration to ascertain the optimal timing for initiating such treatments. In this retrospective investigation, a cohort of 47 adult patients who did not require hospitalization was analyzed. These patients were divided into two distinct groups: Group A, which received intervention beginning 2 weeks after their respective operations, and Group B, which commenced intervention 4 weeks postoperation. Each group underwent a comprehensive treatment protocol consisting of five laser sessions. Initially, patients underwent three sessions of V-beam pulsed-dye laser (PDL) therapy followed by two sessions of ablative fractional CO2 laser (AFL) therapy. Evaluation of outcomes was conducted using advanced imaging techniques such as Antera 3D imaging, in conjunction with established scar assessment tools including the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the University of North Carolina "4P" Scar Scale (UNC4P). All patients successfully completed the full course of five treatment sessions, with no dropouts and no reported adverse events. Baseline cosmetic assessments of scars were equivalent across both groups. In Group A, the mean VSS scores decreased from 7.04 before treatment to 5.29 at 3 months posttreatment and further to 4.33 at 6 months posttreatment. Meanwhile, in Group B, scores decreased from 7.52 to 6.83 at 3 months and 6.17 at 6 months. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline VSS scores between the two groups (p = 0.34). At both the 3- and 6-month follow-up points, mean VSS scores were significantly lower in Group A compared to Group B (p < 0.05). Similar trends were observed in UNC4P scores. Statistically significant differences were noted across all time points (baseline, 3 months, and 6 months posttreatment) for both VSS and UNC4P scores (p < 0.05). Subset analysis revealed greater improvements in texture and depression volume at 3 months posttreatment, while improvements in depression area, depth, elevation variation, and area were more pronounced at the 6-month mark. Early intervention using the combined 595-nm pulse dye laser and CO2 ablative fractional laser (AFL) 2- and 4-weeks post-surgery proves to be an effective and safe method for improving scar outcomes, particularly for facial surgical scars when treatment starts 2 weeks after surgery. However, further research is needed to refine our understanding and address potential study limitations.

Density Functional Theory Prediction of Laser Dyes-Cucurbit[7]uril Binding Affinities.

Among a variety of diverse host molecules distinguished by specific characteristics, the cucurbit[n]uril (CB) family stands out, being widely known for the attractive properties of its representatives along with their increasingly expanding area of applications. The presented herewith density functional theory (DFT)-based study is inspired by some recent studies exploring CBs as a key component in multifunctional hydrogels with applications in materials science, thus considering CB-assisted supramolecular polymeric hydrogels (CB-SPHs), a new class of 3D cross-linked polymer materials. The research systematically investigates the inclusion process between the most applied representative of the cavitand family CB[7] and a series of laser dye molecules as guests, as well as the possible encapsulation of a model side chain from the photoanisotropic polymer PAZO and its sodium-containing salt. The obtained results shed light on the most significant factors that play a key role in the recognition process, such as binding mode, charge, and dielectric constant of the solvent. The observed findings provide valuable insights at a molecular level for the design of dye-CB[7] systems in various environments, with potential applications in intriguing and prosperous fields like photonics and material science.

52542 Evaluation of Private and Medicaid Insurance Coverage for Port-Wine Stain Treatment with Pulsed Dye Laser

52542 Evaluation of Private and Medicaid Insurance Coverage for Port-Wine Stain Treatment with Pulsed Dye Laser

52961 Generalized essential telangiectasia treated with pulsed dye laser: a series of 10 cases

52961 Generalized essential telangiectasia treated with pulsed dye laser: a series of 10 cases

Algorithm-based Management of Infantile Hemangiomas: Reducing Sequelae and Surgical Interventions

Background: In Japan, oral propranolol (PPL) and pulsed dye laser are available for infantile hemangioma (IH) treatment without patient cost-sharing. However, no standardized algorithm exists to guide treatment selection that balances efficacy, potential side effects, and aesthetic risks. This study presents a comprehensive approach utilizing a treatment algorithm and aesthetic risk scoring system. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed outcomes from 156 patients with IHs. Oral PPL was used in IH patients with functional issues, whereas the rest underwent an aesthetic risk assessment that categorized them into low-, moderate-, or high-risk groups to guide treatment choices. Final treatment decisions depended on parental preference. The outcomes of algorithm-compliant and noncompliant patients were compared statistically. Results: The risk score's interrater reliability was 0.973 (95% confidence interval 0.933–0.992), with a mean intrarater reliability of 0.968 ± 0.027 and a mean evaluation time of 14.1 ± 5.0 seconds per case. Among the 156 patients, 88% pursued the algorithm-recommended treatment, whereas 12% opted for different approaches. Algorithm-compliant patients experienced significantly fewer sequelae than did noncompliant patients (5% versus 33%, P &lt; 0.001). Compared with noncompliant patients, algorithm-compliant patients tended to require shorter treatment durations (17.9 versus 25.4 mo, P = 0.08) and fewer laser sessions (5.8 versus 7.2, P = 0.30), with a younger age at resolution (21.3 versus 29.0 mo, P = 0.08). Conclusions: Aesthetic concerns can be crucial for patients with IHs. This study introduces a comprehensive IH management algorithm to reduce the sequelae requiring surgical interventions and improve patients’ quality of life.