Adverse effects reported in epilatory ruby laser treatment.

A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the incidence of reported adverse responses after epilatory laser treatment to control the growth of facial hair in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Forty-eight patients received a median of 6 (range 2-11) treatments with an Aesculap ruby laser during a 704 day monitoring period at Salisbury District Hospital. Nine adverse skin responses such as blistering, scabbing, sustained localised erythematous reactions or hyperpigmentation were reported. The energy output of the laser was also recorded at the start of every clinical session during this period using an external energy meter. The measured energy output of the laser was plotted alongside incidents of adverse responses, although no statistically significant correlation was found. The question of whether or not some adverse effects in ruby laser treatment can be attributed to laser performance remains open.

Monitoring the ups and downs of pulsed dye laser energy output.

The internal energy meter reading of a Chromos pulsed dye laser (PDL) set at 50% of maximum pumping energy was recorded at the start of every clinical session over an 898 day period and compared with the measurement from an Ophir Optronics 'Nova' external energy meter. This quick and inexpensive process improved quality control procedures for the use of the PDL and enabled the performance of laser components such as the dye, pumping mechanism and optics to be monitored. The stability of the laser output energy was also monitored during three simulated clinics on days 665, 870 and 898. External energy meter readings were recorded every 100 pulses during each simulated clinic comprising six series of 500 pulses. As the energy output was shown to be stable during each clinic (SD<4.7%) recalibration during treatments of up to 500 pulses with this laser was deemed to be unnecessary. However, it was noted that this output energy stability was maintained by varying the pumping energy from 42 to 88% of maximum. Subsequent measurements of pulse width conducted with an ET-2000 Silicon Photodetector demonstrated that although the nominal pulse width was 450 mus, this varied from 240 to 390 mus as the pumping energy increased from 20 to 50%.

How well does your ruby laser work?

The safe and effective use of cutaneous lasers is dependent upon the selection of a clinically appropriate laser energy level. Therefore, the accuracy of the stated laser output is critical. The energy output of an Aesculap ruby laser was recorded at the start of every clinical session over a 704-day period using an external energy meter. Regular review of these records enabled trends of energy output to be recognised and appropriate action to be taken prior to adverse clinical sequelae. This monitoring procedure is a quick and inexpensive method of improving quality control in the use of medical lasers.