The state of the art of CO laser angioplasty system

A unique percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty system using new infrared therapy laser with infrared glass fiber delivery under novel angioscope guidance was described. Carbon monoxide (CO) laser emission of 5 mm in wavelength was employed as therapy laser to achieve precise ablation of atheromatous plaque with a flexible As-S infrared glass fiber for laser delivery. We developed the first medical CO laser as well as As-S infrared glass fiber cable. We also developed 5.5 Fr. thin angioscope catheter with complete directional manipulability at its tip. The system control unit could manage to prevent failure irradiations and fiber damages. This novel angioplasty system was evaluated by a stenosis model of mongrel dogs. We demonstrated the usefulness of our system to overcome current issues on laser angioplasty using multi-fiber-catheter with over-the-guidewire system.