title: Laser coronary endarterectomy: proposed treatment for diffuse coronary atherosclerosis.
abstract: A new surgical technique with a hand-held laser is proposed as an adjunct for coronary revascularization. High intensity light energy from a carbon dioxide laser may be used to cut atherosclerotic plaques, to relieve coronary stenosis, and to reopen totally occluded arteries. The recent development of a small, portable CO(2) laser provides a practical surgical tool for treatment of diffuse coronary atherosclerosis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgery, Texas Heart Institute of St. Luke's Episcopal and Texas Children's Hospitals, Houston, Texas 77225, USA.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Livesay
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Cooley