The effects of laser energy on the arterial wall

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1990 · Annals of Vascular Surgery; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02001380· OSTI ID:6918812

Faught, W E; Lawrence, P F ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City (USA)

Laser energy has been proposed as a method of resecting atherosclerotic plaque since the mid 1960s. However, only over the past several years have we come to understand some of the unique interactions of the laser with cardiovascular tissue. In laser angioplasty a major challenge has been choosing the optimal laser and duration of laser exposure to achieve adequate resection of plaque, while minimizing such complications as thrombosis, perforation, embolization, aneurysm formation, and accelerated atherosclerosis. Ultimately we must develop a more selective laser that resects plaque while leaving adjacent arterial wall uninjured. This review describes the physics of laser energy, the different lasers available for use in the cardiovascular system, laser-arterial wall interactions, and some of the limitations of laser angioplasty.

• OSTI ID: 6918812
• Journal Information: Annals of Vascular Surgery; (USA), Journal Name: Annals of Vascular Surgery; (USA) Vol. 4:2; ISSN 0890-5096; ISSN AVSUE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550600 -- Medicine
560400* -- Other Environmental Pollutant Effects
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
ARTERIES
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BLOOD VESSELS
BODY
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
DISEASES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
LASER RADIATION
MAMMALS
MAN
MEDICINE
ORGANS
PRIMATES
RADIATIONS
SENSITIVITY
SURGERY
VASCULAR DISEASES
VERTEBRATES