Excimer Laser Angioplasty Shown Effective

A study has demonstrated that excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) is safe and effective for treating patients with acute coronary syndromes. The findings were published in the April 1, 2001, issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.

The study involved 59 patients, 33 with unstable angina and 26 with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Procedural success rates were 100% and 97% for the heart attack and angina patients, respectively. Two-thirds of the angina patients were within the indications cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and were effectively treated with the laser, followed by balloon angioplasty. The laser used, the CVX-300, is the product of Spectranetics Corp. (Colorado Springs, CO, USA).

The findings in the study support the application of excimer laser angioplasty in selected patients with complex lesions who present with acute coronary syndromes,” said On Topaz, M.D., of the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals (Richmond, USA) and the lead investigator of the study. "Furthermore, the findings suggest that ultraviolet laser therapy results in thrombus removal and a high procedural success rate with minimal complications.”




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