Recanalization of arterial occlusions with a lensed fiber and a holmium:YAG laser.

Abstract

Laser recanalization of totally occluded swine iliac arteries was performed to assess the safety and efficacy of a lensed fiber laser angioplasty system with a holmium:YAG (2.1 microns) laser. Silica lenses of 1.0 mm, 1.3 mm, and 1.5 mm in diameter attached to the distal end of a 300-microns diameter silica fiber delivered fluences of 79.5 J/cm2, 31.4 J/cm2, and 25.5 J/cm2, respectively. The pulse duration of the laser was 250 microseconds and the repetition rate was 4 Hz. The mean length of the total occlusions was 5.3 +/- 2.0 cm (range 0.5 cm to 8.0 cm). Successful recanalization was obtained in 16/16 lesions without angiographic vessel perforation. Angiographically significant residual stenoses (greater than 50%) remained in every case following successful laser recanalization. Histologically there was minimal evidence of thermal or acoustic tissue injury; however, in 4 of 16 arteries there was evidence of deep arterial dissection following laser recanalization. We conclude that this lensed fiber coupled with a holmium:YAG laser is a safe and effective method for crossing total occlusions in the relatively straight iliac arteries of this animal model.

• Authors: C J White, S R Ramee, T J Collins, J E Mesa, D B Paulsen, J P Murgo
• Journal: Lasers in surgery and medicine (Lasers Surg Med) Vol. 11 Issue 3 Pg. 250-6 ( 1991) ISSN: 0196-8092 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1650412 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Silicon Dioxide
• Holmium

Topics

• Angioplasty, Laser (adverse effects, instrumentation)
• Animals
• Arteriosclerosis (surgery)
• Female
• Fiber Optic Technology
• Holmium
• Lenses
• Male
• Silicon Dioxide
• Swine
• Swine, Miniature