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A clinical, histological, and computer‐based assessment of the Polaris LV, combination diode, and radiofrequency system, for leg vein treatment
Author(s) -
Sadick Neil S.,
Trelles Mario A.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.20127
Subject(s) - medicine , nuclear medicine , surgery
Background and Objectives Electro‐optical synergy (ELOS™) is a novel technology that combines radiofrequency (RF) with optical energy. This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of the Polaris LV™ system, which is based on combined RF and diode laser (915 nm), for the treatment of leg veins. Study Design/Materials and Methods Fifty women (Fitzpatrick II–IV) with red or blue leg veins (1–4 mm in diameter) were treated with the Polaris LV, using a fluence of 60–80 J/cm 2 and conducted RF energy of 100 J/cm 3 . Patients received up to three treatment sessions at 2‐ to 4‐week intervals. Both patients and an independent physician graded the level of vessel clearance at 2 months following the last treatment, using pre‐ and post‐treatment photographs. Also, a computer‐generated assessment of vessel clearance was done in 40 patients. Twenty patients provided biopsy specimens for histologic assessment. Results Approximately three‐quarters of patients demonstrated ≥ 50% vessel clearance, and about 30% had 75%–100% vessel clearance. Computer‐generated scores correlated closely with physician scores. Histologic assessment showed signs of coagulation and prominent endothelial degeneration in all treated vessels, but the epidermis remained normal. There were minimal complications. Conclusions The Polaris LV is effective and safe in treating red and blue leg veins up to 4 mm in diameter. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.