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The effect of plaque composition on laser recanalization
L D Kaelin1, S G Werts, S Smith
1Department of Surgery and Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Plaque composition significantly impacts laser recanalization success. Soft plaque in arteries responded well to laser treatment, while dense or calcified plaque showed lower success rates in this study.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Laser recanalization uses thermal ablation to clear atherosclerotic plaque.
- Plaque composition is hypothesized to influence laser treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if plaque composition affects the success of laser recanalization.
- To correlate B-mode ultrasound imaging of plaque with laser recanalization outcomes.
Main Methods:
- 16 patients with superficial femoral artery occlusions underwent B-mode ultrasound imaging.
- Occlusion composition was classified as soft, dense, or calcified based on echogenicity.
- Argon laser recanalization was attempted for all patients.
Main Results:
- Laser recanalization achieved 100% success in patients with soft plaque (8/8).
- Success rates were significantly lower (38%) for dense or calcified plaque (3/8) (P = 0.01).
Conclusions:
- B-mode ultrasound assessment of plaque composition predicts laser recanalization success.
- Soft plaque is more amenable to thermal laser ablation than dense or calcified plaque.