Holmium laser angioplasty after failed coronary balloon dilation: Use of a new solid‐state, infrared laser system

Abstract

A new solid-state laser system was used in a case of saphenous vein graft occlusion untreatable by standard very low-profile balloon angioplasty. The 2100 nm infrared pulsed thulium/holmium: YAG laser successfully recanalized an obtuse marginal bypass graft without complications. The holmium laser has several advantages over excimer systems and may prove an effective adjunct or alternative to coronary balloon angioplasty.

Lasers in coronary disease

“…The ultraviolet excimer laser has shown applicability for use in highly specific lesions, i.e., recanalization of ostial lesions, tubular and diffuse disease, and chronic occlusions [ 1,2]. The mid-infrared holmium laser has also been used for complex disease and totally occluded arteries [3]. The excimer laser is a contact device in that only the tissue that is actually in contact with the optical fiber in the multifiber catheter is affected [4].…”