title: Current multicentre studies with the excimer laser: design and aims.
abstract: Excimer laser ablation to remove atherosclerotic plaque has been used for over a decade as a methodology to treat cardiovascular disease. Improvements in the technique and technology of excimer laser angioplasty, coupled with the recognition of new clinical opportunities for this treatment modality, have resulted in a resurgence of interest in the laser. Three clinical trials are now being conducted to explore potential applications, including the LARS trial of excimer laser versus balloon angioplasty to treat in-stent restenosis, the PELA trial of excimer laser angioplasty in occluded superficial femoral artery disease, and the LACI trial of excimer laser angioplasty in limb-threatening ischaemia. This article describes the rationale and objectives of these new approaches to some of the more challenging problems in cardiovascular disease.
authors.affiliation: Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Tcheng
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Volkert-Noethen
mesh_terms: D016342:Angioplasty, Laser; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000601:surgery; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D012008:Recurrence; D015607:Stents