excimer laser coronary angioplasty


excimer laser coronary angioplasty

The use of a vaporizing EXCIMER LASER by way of an arterial catheter to cut through and remove arterial plaque in cases of ATHEROSCLEROSIS in which the blood supply to the heart, brain, other organ or limb is prejudiced by narrowing. The catheter used contains over 200 individual 50 micron optical fibres surrounding a guide wire. The method is thought likely to be applicable in cases unsuitable for balloon angioplasty.