Laser atherectomy

Laser atherectomy Laser atherectomy is a novel technique useful in in-stent restenosis, stent under expansion, balloon uncrossable lesions and chronic total occlusions [1]. An important advantage of excimer laser atherectomy over other atherectomy devices is delivery on a standard 0.014-inch guidewire [2]. The technique can be mastered after a short period of training. Major limitation is the presence of heavy calcification, which requires rotational atherectomy for clearance. But when there is inability to pass a rota wire, laser may be useful in creating an upstream channel to permit rota wire passage. Laser device works by producing monochromatic light energy to cause heat and shock waves which lead to disruption of plaque and thrombus. A large report on 1,471 laser cases from the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society database which constituted 0.21% cases out of 686,358 PCI procedures has been published [3]. The data was collected for procedures between 2006 and 2016. Higher odds were noted for dissection, perforation and slow flow. Though the chance of acute procedural complication with laser were higher, it did not increase the likelihood of in-hospital major adverse cardiac/cerebrovascular events (MACCE) or its individual components (death, peri-procedural MI, stroke and major bleed). Another interesting information from the same database is regarding RASER, the combined use of rotational atherectomy and excimer laser coronary atherectomy [4]. RASER was employed ...
Source: Cardiophile MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Cardiology Source Type: blogs