title: Defining parameters for peripheral laser angioplasty.
abstract: In vitro studies are reported using a Pulsed Dye laser at wavelengths of 440, 480, 504, 560 and 590 nm, to vaporise multiple samples of yellow, fibrous and calcified plaque. The threshold for crater production at 440 nm was 5 mJ/pulse and at 590 nm 65 mJ/pulse. Crater depth was significantly deeper at the short wavelengths (440, 480 and 504 nm) than at the longer (560 and 590 nm). Light microscopy confirmed the absence of thermal damage associated with continuous wave lasers. Electron microscopy revealed smooth-contoured craters and no disruption of subcellular elements at the crater margin. Samples of thrombus- and atheroma-occluded human femoral artery were successfully recanalised at the 480 nm wavelength with atraumatic spherical-tipped and modified spherical tipped optical fibres. The advantages of pulsed laser energy in peripheral vessel recanalisation are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Professorial Surgical Unit, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, U.K.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Basu
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Wood
mesh_terms: D001011:Aorta / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*