Excimer laser assisted angioplasty in hemodialysis access intervention.

A case is described in which an excimer laser is used to assist angioplasty of a severe central venous lesion that is refractory to conventional techniques. Modern laser technology uses the ultraviolet (UV) spectral region to generate nanosecond pulses of energy. This results in photoablation, which is the process by which energy photons cause molecular bond disruption, while minimizing thermal damage to the surrounding vascular tissues. Further investigation of excimer laser assisted angioplasty in the setting of hemodialysis access intervention is needed to rigorously define its potential role. In occlusive disease where no conventional alternative is available, however, laser therapy is a viable option.