Method and apparatus for selective photothermolysis of veins

Abstract

A system and method are provided that are capable of selectively treating a vein using photothermolysis techniques, where an electromagnetic radiation is applied to tissue containing the vein. The radiation can be selected so that it may be more effectively absorbed by veins as compared to arteries. Thus, unwanted thermal damage to arteries in the vicinity of the vein being treated can be reduced or avoided. The radiation can have a frequency of approximately 654 nm, which can provide a ratio of absorption by veins to absorption by arteries of about 3.7. Other wavelengths near 654 nm may be provided, for example, which can have an absorption ratio greater than, e.g., about 3.3 to 3.6.

1 . A method for treating at least one vein, comprising:
 directing an electromagnetic radiation to a tissue containing the at least one vein, wherein the radiation has at least one characteristic which effectuates an absorption by the at least one vein more effectively than by an artery.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the radiation has a wavelength between about 632 nm and 680 nm. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the radiation has a wavelength between about 638 nm and 668 nm. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the radiation has a wavelength between about 644 nm and 662 nm. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the radiation has a wavelength of about 654 mm. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing the radiation by at least one of a pulsed dye laser, a wavelength-shifted Nd:YAG laser, a frequency-doubled infrared laser, a high power diode laser array or a fiber laser. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing the radiation using an intense pulsed light source. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one vein is a varicose vein. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one vein is associated with a port wine stain. 
   
   
       10 . A system for treating at least one vein, comprising:
 an arrangement configured to provide an electromagnetic radiation to a tissue containing the at least one vein;   wherein the radiation has at least one characteristic which effectuates an absorption by the at least one vein more effectively than by an artery.   
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the radiation has a wavelength between about 632 nm and 680 nm. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the radiation has a wavelength between about 638 nm and 668 nm. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the radiation has a wavelength between about 644 nm and 662 nm. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the radiation has a wavelength of about 654 nm. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the arrangement is at least one of a pulsed dye laser, a wavelength shifted Nd:YAG laser, a frequency-doubled infrared laser, a high power diode laser array or a fiber laser. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the arrangement is an intense pulsed light source. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising a power source and control electronics, both coupled to the arrangement. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising an optical apparatus configured to receive the radiation and direct the radiation toward the tissue. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising an apparatus configured to cool a surface of the tissue.