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New trends in laser application: atherolysis
1Bakulev Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery of USSR AMS, Moscow.
Summary
Low-intensity laser beams can reduce atherosclerotic plaque volume without added photosensitizers. This laser atherolysis (TLA) shows promise for treating atherosclerosis, with an 82% success rate in clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
- Laser Physics
Background:
- Atherosclerosis poses a significant health burden, necessitating innovative treatment strategies.
- Current interventions for atherosclerotic lesions have limitations, driving the search for novel therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of low-intensity laser radiation for reducing atherosclerotic plaque volume.
- To explore transluminal laser atherolysis (TLA) as a new method for treating atherosclerotic lesions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized He-Ne and dye lasers (632 nm) for low-intensity laser beam exposure.
- Investigated the phenomenon without exogenous porphyrins, using morphological, ultrastructural, and immunochemical analyses.
- Applied TLA in 37 patients and combined laser illumination with balloon angioplasty in 25 patients, verifying outcomes with digital angiography, angioscopy, and Doppler.
Main Results:
- Observed a decrease in atherosclerotic volume under low-intensity laser irradiation.
- Ultrastructural studies indicated laser-induced cell destruction in superficial plaque layers, primarily damaging cytoplasmic structures.
- Achieved an 82% successful recanalization rate in patients undergoing TLA or combined laser angioplasty.
Conclusions:
- Low-intensity laser radiation can induce atherosclerotic plaque regression through cellular destruction.
- Transluminal laser atherolysis (TLA) is an effective method for treating atherosclerosis.
- Laser atherolysis presents a promising therapeutic tool for preventing and managing atherosclerotic disease.