Simple percutaneous coronary interventions using the modification of complex coronary lesion with excimer laser.

Excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA), a unique percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) device, comprises a monorail-type system and is compatible with any standard 0.014-inch guidewire. ELCA is the only device that vaporizes the atherosclerotic plaques or modifies underlying plaque located underneath to a hard tissue, such as severe calcification or a stent. Therefore, ELCA differs from other coronary atherectomy devices and is useful for patients with acute coronary syndrome, chronic total occlusion or under-expanded stents. This case series reports on patients treated using ELCA to simplify complex PCI procedures. Furthermore, we review and discuss ELCA in several situations.