Photostimulation of coronary arteries with low power laser radiation: preliminary results for a new method in invasive cardiology therapy.
BACKGROUND
The main problem after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is restenosis affecting the site where dilatation is performed. In order to minimize its occurrence, the method of intravascular laser photostimulation (LP) with low power irradiation has been developed. The new procedure is carried out during PCI.


METHODS
A special setup was prepared for intravascular photostimulation with 808 nm wavelength laser diode and special diffuser, delivering the laser light into the coronary artery. The construction of the device makes it possible to irradiate the coronary artery in the place of previously performed of dilatation, in an satisfactory and programmable manner and with uniform intensity. We describe our own, unique LP procedure. Two pilot LP procedures carried out in our clinic are described here. The patients were diagnosed before treatment and followed up three and six months after the LP procedure with non invasive tests. After six months, a control angiography was also performed.


RESULTS
The procedures were well tolerated. In both cases the follow-up examinations showed no evidence of restenosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The new, innovative technique of intravascular low power laser photostimulation is a relatively inexpensive and easy to use treatment method. No negative side effects were observed after two procedures. The results obtained are very promising. Because the group of treated patients is still too small, the results cannot yet be subjected to statistical analysis.
Derkacz
Arkadiusz
A
Invasive Cardiology Section, Department of Cardiosurgery, Medical University of Wrocław, Poland.
Biały
Dariusz
D
Protasiewicz
Marcin
M
Pawlik
Elzbieta
E
Abramski
Krzysztof
K
Grobelny
Andrzej
A
Pałasz
Zbigniew
Z
Nowosad
Halina
H
D000792:Angiography; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D023903:Coronary Restenosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014654:Vascular Patency