Laser recanalization in severe end-stage peripheral vascular disease

Abstract Application of lasers to vaporize coronary atherosclerotic obstruction was initially described in 1981. 1 Since then, the technique has been applied clinically to coronary arteries on an experimental basis. 2 This report objectively describes successful long-term laser recanalization using a catheter containing a laser-heated metal cap 3 in a patient with severe end-stage peripheral vascular disease.