Potential Applications of Lasers in the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases

Since it was first developed, the laser has had applications in medicine and surgery. Continued progress in fiber optics has allowed researchers to explore the potential use of the laser in cardiovascular diseases. Most of the effort has been devoted to building appropriate lasers and delivery systems to recanalize atherosclerotic obstructions of the coronary and peripheral arteries. Early clinical investigations have demonstrated the potential of lasers to remove atherosclerotic plaque during intraoperative bypass surgery and to assist percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty. Other investigations into the clinical use of lasers for vascular anastomosis, ablation of refractory ventricular arrhythmias after electrical recording, and palliative treatment of newborn infants with congenital problems hold promise. While early studies and recent technological advances appear encouraging, much more work and improvements are needed before lasers can gain acceptance as a potent clinical tool in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. (J Interven Cardiol: 1988:1:1)