Contact probes for intravascular laser recanalization. Experimental evaluation.
Experimental laser ablation of atheromatous plaques was performed with a bare quartz glass fiber, a metal probe, and a sapphire probe. The tissue response after irradiation with increasing energies was evaluated by means of light and scanning electron microscopy. Laser emission through the bare fiber caused a narrow, deep crater with an irregular surface surrounded by a zone of thermal necrosis. After tissue ablation with the metal probe, a disproportion between the small tissue defect and the large zone of thermal necrosis was observed. The largest tissue defect was vaporized by the sapphire contact probe. A small zone of thermal necrosis surrounded the laser crater.
Lammer
J
J
Karl-Franzens University and Medical School, Department of Radiology, Graz, Austria.
Kleinert
R
R
Pilger
E
E
Schmidt-Kloiber
H
H
Reichel
E
E
D001158:Arteries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*