Platelet accumulation after laser angioplasty--a scintigraphic assessment.

Indium 111-labeled platelet scintigraphy was performed to evaluate platelet deposition in response to different levels of Nd:YAG laser/thermal energy. A dose-related increase in platelet deposition was observed. In clinical studies after laser-assisted balloon angioplasty, intense platelet deposition was observed in 2 patients who subsequently developed clinical arterial thrombosis. The pathogenesis of reocclusion appears, however, to be more complicated and ill understood. The authors suggest further extensive studies incorporating several parameters in the evaluation of the pathogenic factors involved in reocclusion after laser angioplasty. Such studies should also consider the role of arterial injury produced by the balloon catheter after laser-assisted balloon angioplasty.