Laser treatment of cutaneous vascular lesions

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.

1 . A method for reducing the amount of radiation required to destroy a blood vessel of a cutaneous vascular lesion comprising administering a hyperosmotic agent to the blood vessel to slow blood flow velocity prior to exposure to laser radiation.  
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the amount of radiation is reduced by at least 15%.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein blood flow velocity is slowed by at least 15%.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein blood flow velocity is slowed to zero.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein administering comprises injection.  
   
   
       6 .- 31 . (canceled)