Clinical application of coronary laser angioplasty during coronary bypass surgery.

Abstract

Laser irradiation offers the potential of removing atherosclerotic plaques from blood vessels. We used the Nd:YAG laser to treat coronary atherosclerotic obstruction in patients undergoing coronary bypass. Of the 7 patients treated, all were successfully recanalized without damage to the artery wall (a mild hematoma developed in 1 case), and follow-up examination showed patency 4 months after operation. We conclude that Nd:YAG laser shows promise for the treatment of atherosclerotic obstructions, but more study is needed before wide clinical application is justified.