Laser treatment of cutaneous vascular lesions

• US 6,942,663 B2
• Filed: 03/10/2003
• Issued: 09/13/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Texas System (University of Texas System)
• Original Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Texas System (University of Texas System)
• Inventors: Milner, Thomas E., Welch, Ashley J., Barton, Jennifer K., Vargas, Gracie, Chan, Eric K.
• Primary Examiner(s): KIM, VICKIE Y
• Application Number:
  US10/385,195
• Publication Number:
  US 20040019120A1
• Time in Patent Office: 918 Days
• Field of Search: 606/49, 606/41, 606/50, 514/21, 514/63, 514/567, 424/94.4, 424/195.11
• US Class Current: 606/49
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/203 applying laser energy to the outside of the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00452 Skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/045 Hydroxy compounds, e.g. alcohols; Salts thereof, e.g. alcoholates

Abstract

Methods for treating maladies such as cutaneous vascular lesions. A patient in need of vascular lesion treatment is identified. A hyperosmotic agent is administered to a region adjacent the lesion. Blood flow velocity is slowed within the region using the hyperosmotic agent, and the lesion is exposed to laser radiation.

Claims

1. A method of treating a cutaneous vascular lesion, comprising:

identifying a patient in need of vascular lesion treatment;

administering a hyperosmotic agent to a region adjacent the lesion;

slowing blood flow velocity within the region using the hyperosmotic agent; and

exposing the lesion to laser radiation.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient is human.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein administering comprises injection by a hypodermic needle or a high velocity jet.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein administering comprises tape stripping, ablation, chemical peel, mechanical debridement, electroporation, ultrasound, or iontophoresis.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the hyperosmotic agent comprises glycerol.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the hyperosmotic agent comprises dimethyl sulfoxidc, sucrose, glucose (dextrose), propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, hypaque sodium (diatrizoate sodium), or mannitol.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the region adjacent the lesion overlaps the lesion.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein slowing blood flow velocity comprises slowing blood flow velocity by at least 15%.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the blood flow velocity is slowed to zero.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein exposing the lesion to laser radiation comprises exposing the lesion to an amount of radiation sufficient to destroy a blood vessel, the amount of radiation being at least 15% less than an amount of radiation required to destroy a blood vessel in the absence of the administration of the hyperosmotic agent.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein exposing the lesion to laser radiation comprises irradiating the lesion with an energy per area between about 0.2 J/cm² and about 6 J/cm².

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising reducing light reflection and refraction among cellular components within the region, using the hyperosmotic agent, to enhance light transmission through the region.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising delivering a hydrating agent within the patient and to a region adjacent the lesion.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the hydrating agent comprises saline.