Laser ablation of calcific plaque in human arteries has been demonstrated with visible radiation at intensities (107 W/cm2) that are readily transmitted by flexible (320 μm diameter) quartz optical fibers. The ablative mechanism involves formation of a plasma with mechanical fragmentation of the plaque by stress waves rather than simply thermal vaporization. By appropriate selection of laser pulse duration (<50 μsec), wavelength and exposure, the laser pulse can ablate the calcified plaque but will not ablate normal artery. These optimized laser parameters may enhance the safety and efficacy of laser endarterectomy.
Pulsed Laser Ablation Of Calcified Plaque
Optical Fibers in Medicine III ; 1988 ; Los Angeles,CA,United States
Proc. SPIE ; 0906
1988-06-21
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
Pulsed laser ablation of calcified plaque
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