Treatment of Chronic Lower Extremity Ulcers with A New Er:Yag Laser Technology

Abstract

Chronic lower extremity ulcers (CLEUs) have a high prevalence and are difficult to treat due to their various aetiologies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results achieved in treating CLEUs using an Erbium: YAG (Er:YAG) laser with RecoSMA technology. This laser emits thousands of microbeams of energy causing superficial epidermal ablation and a separation of dermal fibres due to a mechanical-acoustic and resonance effect. The evaluation of the results achieved was carried out by questionnaires completed by 18 patients enrolled in the study. Histological studies and photographs taken before each session (16 sessions in total) were analysed to visually monitor the clinical progress. The analyses were carried out with the help of computer software. The results after 16 treatment sessions showed the complete healing of ulcers or a decrease in their initial area of at least 55% in over 65% of the patients treated. The Student’s t-test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. The Er:YAG laser and RecoSMA technology ablates few epidermal cell layers, producing a mechanical-acoustic effect with resonance action leading to tissue regeneration mechanisms. This technology offers an effective and safe alternative for treating CLEUs.