Embolization hazard of laser hot-tip catheters and coated guidewires

Abstract

Laser thermal angioplasty is now widely used for the treatment of arterial occlusions or stenoses (Ginsberg et al, 1985; Cumberland et al, 1986; MacCowan et al, 1988). The first commercially available intravascular laser system uses a metal-capped laser fibre to convert the laser energy into thermal energy. New laser catheters for vascular recanalization have been developed, some of which can be used over a guidewire. A 56-year-old man presented with left intermittent claudication. An arteriogram revealed a very tight stenosis of the left popliteal artery and diffuse atherosclerotic lesions of the run-off vessels associated with a high-grade stenosis of the origin of the anterior tibial artery and of the tibioperoneal trunk.