[Laser angioplasty of peripheral arteries]

The first experience in laser angioplasty of the superficial femoral artery in 5 patients is discussed. Local occlusion or critical stenosis (90% and more) of the vessel with signs of disturbed blood supply to the limb were the indications for the intervention. For conducting laser angioplasty the authors used an AIG-neodymium laser (1.06 microns) and a light guide of their own design which allowed a canal of no less than 3.1-3.9 mm in diameter to be formed in the plaque. Patency of the artery was restored in all 5 cases and a satisfactory clinical effect was produced. Thrombosis of the recanalized segment occurred on the 12th day after angioplasty in one case. The prospects of the method and the means of further studies are discussed.