ISSN:
1540-8183
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
To improve the result of peripheral laser recanalization (less perforation with wider tunnels of vaporization), we used the technique of sapphire laser angioplasty, A Nd: YAG laser with continuous emission was connected to a catheter with a 600 †m fiber and a sapphire probe to its extremity (1.8–3 mm in diameter). Treatment was performed on 127 patients with severe stenosis or occlusion of peripheral arteries (iliac, femoral, or popliteal arteries). Recanalization was obtained in 102 cases (80%) and was further embellished by balloon dilatation. The rate of success decreased proportionally with the length of occlusions (93% for 3 cm, 33% for 15 cm and more). Most failures were due to wall perforation or wall entry of the probe; passage of the sapphire tip was rarely blocked by the occlusion. At follow-up, 26.4% of arteries were reoccluded after 2 months. In conclusion: laser angioplasty with a sapphire tip can totally recanalize occluded arteries with low rate of failure and complications.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-8183.1991.tb01006.x
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