Authors' objectives:

1) To compare the technical features of the dye laser units specified on the marketing material of the products marketed by different dealers in Catalonia during the period April 1989-September 1995;

2) to analyse, by means of the systematic review ofthe scientific evidence, whether the differences observed in the design of this type of products may influence the clinical outcomes.

Authors' results and conclusions: 1. At present, the main indication for dye lasers in dermatology is the treatment of portwine stains and other dermatological vascular malformations. 2. Dye laser has a high safety profile, measured as the incidence of adverse effects(e.g., hypertrophic scars). 3. Dye laser is effective in clearing the skin vascular lesions mentioned above. The degree of clearance varies according to the studies analysed. 4. Most studies identified are clinical series, which is considered a low methodological quality design. Therefore, their conclusions should be considered carefully. Only one randomized controlled trial has been found comparing the efficacy of continuous wave dye laser versus continuous wave argon laser. Its results show no significant differences between the treatments. 5. No clinical trial has been found comparing the results obtained with the three types of dye lasers marketed in Catalonia. 6. The main analysis parameter in the purchase of this type of equipment should be the availability of the CE mark, or, ifthis is not availableand considering the present transitional application period of the community policythe existence of an official approval by an acknowledged international body (e.g., laboratory). This condition is only fulfilled by two of three dye laser devices analysed. Other parameters of interest are discussed in the report.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.gencat.net/salut/depsan/units/aatrm/html/en/dir393/doc7921.ht ml

Year Published: 1995

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Spain

Organisation Name: Agencia de Qualitat i Avaluacio Sanitries de Catalunya

Contact Address: Antoni Parada, CAHTA, Roc Boronat, 81-95 (2nd floor), 08005 Barcelona, Spain, Tel. +34 935 513 928, Fax: +34 935 517 510

Contact Name: direccio@aatrm.catsalut.net / aparada@aatrm.catsalut.net

Contact Email: direccio@aatrm.catsalut.net / aparada@aatrm.catsalut.net

Copyright: Catalan Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Research