[Experimental intracoronary Excimer laser angioplasty]

To determine the feasibility of intracoronary application of pulsed ultraviolet laser light 38 coronary arteries of 18 in situ hearts were treated with the bare fiber technique and a specially constructed catheter device. Eight hearts had no coronary artery disease, in 10 hearts coronary artery disease of one or more vessels could be documented angiographically. Total time of laser irradiation varied from 30-490 seconds. Radiation was performed until vessel wall perforation was documented. In all cases a reduction of the stenotic area was realized using the bare fiber technique. Due to a lack in the flexibility of the bare fiber only proximal lesions could be treated and the time of perforation could not be precisely predicted. Dissections were observed in six coronary arteries. The handling of the catheter device was comparable to the conventionally used balloon technique. Ablative treatment of distal vessel lesions was possible. Perforations did not occur. The histologic specimens documented smooth lumen margins not revealing thermal damage. It can be expected that the innovative catheter device will enhance the intracoronary use of pulsed laser light.