[Comparison of the thrombogenic properties of vascular wall after exposure to different lasers]

Quantitative thrombogenic assessment of the inner arterial surface after laser exposure was made in 33 experiments with peripheral arterial strips of dogs. In one experiment, vascular strips with native, mechanically de-endotheliazed or laser-damaged surface were consecutively placed in a platelet-enriched plasma recirculation system, after which platelet adhesion was estimated on vascular surface of the three types, using a scanning electron microscope, and the relative thrombogenic index was calculated. The laser models used included: 1) the AIG-neodymium model, 1.06 micron; 2) the argon model with visible (488 and 514 nm) and ultraviolet (350 nm) spectra; 3) the XeCl excimer type, 308 nm, as well as a preheated metal rod, imitating a ceramic or metal tip of the light guide outlet. The thrombogenic index was 83 +/- 7; 72 +/- 8; 57 +/- 9; 63 +/- 7 and 82 +/- 9%, respectively, for the above types of exposure, the differences being virtually insignificant. It is suggested that, irrespective of the type of laser employed, laser angioplasty should at least be accompanied with intensive anticoagulant therapy.