Comparative study of Nd:YAG laser angioplasty at 1.06 microns, 1.32 microns, and 1.44 microns wavelengths: decreased vascular spasm and early mortality with 1.44 microns laser ablation.
OBJECTIVE
Although laser angioplasty has been demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of long, complex coronary arterial atherosclerotic stenoses, there is an associated risk of acute arterial spasm, dissection, and perforation as well as a significant restenosis rate. It has been postulated that the use of lasers emitting at wavelengths designed for radiation absorption by water would decrease local tissue trauma.


METHODS
We have examined the use of a Nd:YAG laser designed to emit at 1.44 microns, an absorption peak for water, and compared the results of laser ablation at 1.06 microns, 1.32 microns, and 1.44 microns wavelengths. Nd:YAG laser angioplasty was performed in the abdominal aorta of White Leghorn roosters. Acute and chronic vascular trauma was assessed by contrast angiography and histological analysis.


RESULTS
There was a significant decrease in early mortality with 1.44 microns laser ablation. This decreased mortality after 1.44 microns ablation was associated with a decrease in vascular spasm, perforation, and thermal damage. Atherosclerotic plaque development at follow up was decreased with 1.44 microns ablation but this was not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
1.44 microns laser ablation decreases early vascular trauma and mortality and may decrease subsequent atherosclerotic plaque development.
Bauer
J
J
Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Jiang
X Y
XY
Wen
Y
Y
Yan
W
W
Dal
E
E
Liu
L Y
LY
Tulip
J
J
Lucas
A R
AR
D000792:Angiography; D016342:Angioplasty, Laser / Q000401:mortality*; D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002645:Chickens; D003329:Coronary Vasospasm / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis