Excimer laser coronary angioplasty: a mini-narrative review of clinical outcomes

Excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) has evolved as a pivotal element in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), significantly influencing procedural efficacy and safety. This mini-narrative review explores ELCA's applications, focusing on its efficacy and clinical outcomes. A search of major databases identified studies from ELCA's inception. Inclusion criteria encompassed diverse study designs exploring ELCA in coronary interventions, with rigorous data extraction ensuring accuracy and completeness. A narrative synthesis presented key findings across studies. ELCA demonstrated promising outcomes compared to traditional PCI and stent placement. Reduced reperfusion time, enhanced microcirculation, and lower postoperative major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rates highlighted its efficacy. Improved vascular and lumen dynamics, plaque modification, and successful treatment of complex lesions showcased its versatility. Quality of life enhancements positively impacted long-term recovery, particularly in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) cases. ELCA's success in challenging scenarios and its role in refining in-stent restenosis (ISR) treatment indicated broader applications. Despite limitations in some studies, ELCA presented a favorable safety profile. The review underscores ELCA's dynamic role in coronary interventions, offering a promising tool for enhancing procedural outcomes. Clinical implications include improved reperfusion, adaptability in complex lesions, and potential long-term benefits for ACS patients. While integration into routine practice requires careful consideration, ELCA's positive outcomes encourage further exploration and innovation in interventional cardiology.