Abstract
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) has become an accepted method for improving circulation in selected patients with atherosclerosis of the peripheral arteries. Success depends on the lesion’s characteristics as well as on its size. Some lesions are difficult to penetrate with a balloon catheter. Using laser energy to vaporize a channel in the plaque may overcome the mechanical limitations of PTA. A specially designed system (LASTAC system, G. V. Medical Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota) with an argon source has been developed to provide the pathway for opening the lesion further. This system also integrates fiber optics, a specially designed balloon catheter, and an electronic control system. Simultaneously an infusion of a cooling flushing fluid is necessary, so that the laser capacity of 8–10 W for 2–10 s can be efficiently used. This is assured by use of a controlled pumping system.
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Reference
Nordstrom LA, Castaneda-Zuniga WR, Grewe DD, Schoster JV (1986) Laser-enhanced transluminal angioplasty — the role of coaxial fiber placement. Semin Intervent Radiol 3 (1): 33–36
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© 1989 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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Richter, EI., Zeitler, E. (1989). Argon-Laser Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty with the LASTAC System. In: Zeitler, E., Seyferth, W. (eds) Pros and Cons in PTA and Auxiliary Methods. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-73736-7_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-73736-7_10
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-19306-7
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-73736-7
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