Peripheral laser angioplasty with sapphire tip.
To improve the result of peripheral laser recanalization (less perforation with wider tunnels of vaporization), we used the technique of sapphire laser angioplasty. A Nd:YAG laser with continuous emission was connected to a catheter with a 600 mum fiber and a sapphire probe to its extremity (1.8-3 mm in diameter).  Treatment was performed on 127 patients with severe stenosis or occlusion of peripheral arteries (iliac, femoral, or popliteal arteries).  Recanalization was obtained in 102 cases (80%) and was further embellished by balloon dilatation.  The rate of success decreased proportionally with the length of occlusions (93% for 3 cm, 33% for 15 cm and more).  Most failures were due to wall perforation or wall entry of the probe; passage of the sapphire tip was rarely blocked by the occlusion.  At follow-up, 26.4% of arteries were reoccluded after 2 months.


CONCLUSIONS
laser angioplasty with a sapphire tip can totally recanalize occluded arteries with low rate of failure and complications.
Fourrier
J L
JL
Intercard, Clinique Louviere, Lille, France.
Van Franchen
B
B
Henri
M
M
Lefebvre
J M
JM
Brunetaud
J M
JM
Bertrand
M E
ME
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000379:methods; D016342:Angioplasty, Laser / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence