Recanalization of arterial occlusions with a lensed fiber and a holmium:YAG laser.
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.
White
C J
CJ
Ochsner Medical Institutions, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121.
Ramee
S R
SR
Collins
T J
TJ
Mesa
J E
JE
Paulsen
D B
DB
Murgo
J P
JP
D016342:Angioplasty, Laser / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006695:Holmium; D007909:Lenses; D008297:Male; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature
D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D006695:Holmium