Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effect of Multiple Passes on Port Wine Stain Treatments With the Cutera Excel V™ Laser.

Two limitations of single pulse, laser treatment of port-wine stains (PWS) are: (i) hemorrhage and purpura which may lead to post-treatment pigmentation and (ii) the necessity for repeated treatment sessions. In contrast, multiple pulses induce summation of irreversible, thermal injury from a series of lower-peak temperature heating cycles and may therefore reduce mechanical injury while preserving the selectivity of photothermal injury. Ideally, hemorrhage could be prevented and the efficiency of vessel closure could be greater. A clinical and histological pilot study of 10 adults with either facial or non-facial PWS is therefore proposed here.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

Subject must be able to read, understand and sign the Informed Consent Form. Female or Male, 18 to 65 years of age (inclusive). Fitzpatrick Skin Type I - VI. Have either facial or non-facial port wine stain covering at least 50cm² area on the body.

Must be willing to have Cutera excel V laser treatments (532 nm) with prototype EV handpiece and PWS scanner and able to adhere to the treatments, follow-up visit schedule, and post-treatment care instructions.

Willing to have very limited sun exposure and use sunscreen on the treatment area every day for the duration of the study, including the follow-up period.

Willing to have digital photographs taken of the treatment area and agree to use of photographs for presentation (educational and/or marketing), publications, and any additional marketing purposes.

Agree to not undergo any other cosmetic procedure(s) or treatment(s) on the face during the study and has no intention of having such procedures performed during the course of the study.

For female subjects: not pregnant or lactating and is either post-menopausal, surgically sterilized, or using a medically acceptable form of birth control at least 3 months prior to enrollment and during the entire course of the study.,

Exclusion Criteria:

Participation in a clinical trial of another drug, or device administered to the treatment area, within 3 months prior to enrollment or during the study.

Any type of prior cosmetic or port wine stain treatment to the target area within 3 months of study participation.

Suffering from significant skin conditions in the treated areas or inflammatory skin conditions, including but not limited to, open lacerations or abrasions, hidradenitis, rash, infection , or dermatitis of the treatment area prior to treatment (duration of resolution as per the Investigator's discretion).

Pregnant and/or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Significant concurrent illness, such as diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression/immune deficiency disorders (including HIV infection or AIDS) or using immunosuppressive medication.

Hypersensitivity to light exposure. Any use of medication that is known to increase sensitivity to light according to the Investigator's discretion.

History of keloid scarring, hypertrophic scarring or abnormal wound healing or prone to bruising.

Has a history of squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma in the treatment area. History of epidermal or dermal disorders (particularly if involving collagen or microvascularity), including collagen vascular disease or vasculitic disorders.

A history or active skin condition that in the opinion of the Investigator may interfere/confound with the treatment.

History of connective tissue disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma.

History of disease stimulated by heat, such as recurrent herpes simplex and/or herpes zoster (shingles) in the treatment area, unless treatment is conducted following a prophylactic regimen.

History of pigmentary disorders, particularly tendency for hyper- or hypo-pigmentation, or any that are considered not acceptable by the study investigator.

Excessively tanned or active sun tan in facial area to be treated, or unable/unlikely to refrain from tanning during the study.

Excessive facial hair in the area to be treated (beards, sideburns, and/or moustache,) that would interfere with diagnosis, assessment, and treatment.

As per the Investigator's discretion, any physical or mental condition which might make it unsafe for the subject to participate in this study, including excessive alcohol or drug abuses, or a condition that would compromise the subject's ability to comply with the study requirements.