The qualitative effects of laser irradiation on human arteriosclerotic disease.

To determine the effects of laser irradiation upon human coronary atherosclerotic disease, coronary plaques were extracted from fresh human cadaver hearts. Seventy-four diseased artery samples were sectioned either transversely or longitudinally and subjected to laser treatment from argon-ion and carbon dioxide sources. The laser beam affected vaporization and patency in fibrous, lipoid, and calcified plaques as observed histologically. Calcified blockage showed greater extent of charred remnants following controlled thermal injury than did fibrous or lipoid obstructions. The area and depth of penetration varied directly with intensity and duration of photoirradiation and inversely with the density of the atherosclerotic tissue. This study supports further research work on the use of lasers to effect relief of atherosclerotic obstructions.