Laser angioplasty of totally occluded coronary arteries and vein grafts: preliminary report on a current trial.

CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE

Among the various laser angioplasty systems and atherectomy devices currently in clinical trials, the Lastac system appears to be particularly suitable for treating totally occluded coronary arteries and vein grafts. Preliminary results of a clinical trial in more than 35 patients show a recanalization rate of 92% and no complications attributable to the laser. Restenosis has occurred in five cases; in three of these, the arteries were reopened with laser or conventional angioplasty.