Laser Angioplasty of Thigh and Upper Leg

In a clinical study called PELA (peripheral excimer laser angioplasty), an excimer laser is being used to treat occlusions at least 10 cm long of the main artery in the thigh.

Because of blockages, the patients in the study experience pain when walking and some have pain while resting, both of which impair their quality of life. The laser being used in the study is the CVX-300 laser developed by Spectranetics Corp. (Colorado Springs, CO, USA). The laser has been previously approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for multiple cardiovascular procedures, including coronary angioplasty and the removal of pacemaker and defibrillator leads. Now, two trials are under way for additional applications, the PELA trial and a trial called LACI (laser angioplasty for critical ischemia) to improve circulation in the lower leg.

"With this study, we can assist more patients while continuing to work with a small group of doctors to establish laser treatment as the gold standard for treating long blockages in the superficial femoral artery of the thigh,” noted Joseph A. Largey, president and CEO of Spectranetics, referring to the PELA trial.




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