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Vascular spasm complicates continuous wave but not pulsed laser irradiation
D Gal1, P G Steg, A J Rongione
1Department of Biomedical Research, St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.
American Heart Journal
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Continuous wave laser angioplasty frequently causes arterial spasm, unlike pulsed laser treatments. This study investigated laser energy profiles and their impact on arterial spasm during vascular recanalization procedures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Medical Devices
- Laser Technology
Background:
- Laser angioplasty aims to recanalize arteries.
- Arterial spasm is a potential complication during laser angioplasty.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of laser energy profiles in arterial spasm development.
- Compare spasm incidence between continuous wave (CW) and pulsed laser systems.
Main Methods:
- In vivo laser irradiation of rabbit and swine arteries (normal and atherosclerotic).
- Used CW argon ion laser (488-514 nm) and pulsed excimer lasers (308 nm, 351 nm).
- Assessed arterial spasm via >50% luminal diameter reduction.
Main Results:
- CW argon laser caused spasm in 74% of arteries (n=23), particularly at >2W, >200s, >200J.
- Spasm was diffuse, protracted (up to 120 min), and poorly responsive to nitroglycerin.
- Pulsed lasers (n=16) did not induce spasm.
Conclusions:
- CW laser angioplasty is complicated by significant arterial spasm.
- Pulsed laser angioplasty offers a spasm-free alternative for vascular recanalization.