Laser recanalization of peripheral arteries

Helmut P. Weber; Karl H. Neufeldt; Walter Ringelmann; Albrecht Gebauer; Franz Eggemann; Armin Heinze; Hans M. Becker

doi:10.1007/BF02043622

International Journal of Angiology, Table of Contents

Int J Angiol 1995; 4(2): 74-82
DOI: 10.1007/BF02043622

Original Articles

Laser recanalization of peripheral arteries

Helmut P. Weber¹ , Karl H. Neufeldt² , Walter Ringelmann³ , Albrecht Gebauer¹ , Franz Eggemann³ , Armin Heinze¹ , Hans M. Becker²

¹Laser Unit, I. Department of Medicine and Department of Radiology, Harlaching Hospital, Germany
²Clinic for Vascular Surgery, Neuperlach Hospital, Teaching Hospitals of the Universities of Munich, Munich, Germany
³Department of Radiology, Neuperlach Hospital, Teaching Hospitals of the Universities of Munich, Munich, Germany

Presented at the 35th World Congress, International College of Angiology, Copenhagen, Denmark, July 1993

Abstract

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess safety and efficacy of excimer laser (XeCl, 308 nm) recanalization of diseased peripheral arteries not amenable to conventional balloon dilatation. In 21 patients (ages 44–77) with multiple vascular lesions, laser recanalization of 43 calcified occlusions (2–5 per patient) of 0.5–17.5 cm in length; iliac (21 iliac lesions in 9 patients: group I, 31 femoropopliteal lesions in 12 patients: group II) was attempted. Laser irradiation (60–80 mJ io:/mm² and 120 ns per pulse, 20 Hz) was applied via concentric and excentric multifiber 4.5–9.0 Fr catheters. In group I, perforation of the aortic wall occurred in one, long-term patency, and normal pain-free walking distances were achieved in all nine patients. In group II, perforation/dissection occurred in four, successful recanalization resulted in peripheral embolization in three, and late reocclusion occurred in two patients. However, clinical improvement (Fontaine class 0–II) could be verified in 7 (60%) of the 12 patients in a follow-up of 9–34 months. Excimer laser recanalization is an alternative to surgical revascularization in patients with peripheral artery occlusions not amenable to conventional percutaneous angioplasty procedures.

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