Microwave delivery system for lower leg telangiectasia

BACKGROUND: The treatment of telangiectasia of the lower limbs has mainly consisted of injection sclerotherapy and the use of a variety of different lasers. Some patients do not respond well and others have a variety of local side-effects. Alternative treatments would be helpful in managing many patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a microwave device for the treatment of lower limb telangiectasia less than 2 mm in diameter. METHODS: Twenty subjects were enrolled and evaluated with clinical and photographic assessment before and for up to 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: Improvement was seen in 18 of 20 patients. Two patients achieved greater than 75% improvement, six patients 51-75%, four patients 26-50% and six patients less than 25% improvement. CONCLUSION: A microwave delivery device improved lower limb telangiectasia in 18 of 20 patients.