[Qualitative and quantitative effects of neodymium YAG laser irradiation of the aortas of swine with reference to angioplasty].

During last few years the concept of vaporizing atheromatous plaques and thrombotic occlusions by laser energy arose. This method is a new and possibly valuable modality in the treatment of obstructive vascular diseases. We used a continuous 1,060 nm Nd-YAG laser with a focused optical wave guide. Sections of porcine aortic vessels were split longitudinally and exposed to laser radiation. Four major types of tissue alterations were observed: local swelling, disruption of the inner layers of the vessel wall, charred punched-out defects and wall perforation. Histologic examination revealed a typical damage pattern as a result of thermic injury. Clean tissue alteration is the desired effect for angioplasty. The thermic alterations limit the applicability when dealing with the cw Nd-YAG laser for this purpose.