Excimer laser angioplasty: Photoablation of vascular tissues

The results of application of a recently developed XeCl excimer laser system for angioplasty in experiments on laser-vascular-tissue interaction are presented. The threshold fluences for photoablation of arterial walls and atherosclerotic plaques with different degree of calcification from normal and damaged human cadaveric arteries are determined. The obtained data are quite similar to those published in the pertinent literature. The effect of excimer laser radiation on the zone neighbouring the interaction is also assayed. The long-term utilization of selected optical fibers and catheters, and their transmission properties are discussed. The laser angioplastic system successfully ablates fibrous atheromas. In vitro trials demonstrate the lack of any thermal damage and risk of perforation. To increase productivity, the system needs to run at a higher repetition rate. 12 refs., 3 tabs., 4 figs. (author)