Current multicentre studies with the excimer laser: design and aims.

Excimer laser ablation to remove atherosclerotic plaque has been used for over a decade as a methodology to treat cardiovascular disease. Improvements in the technique and technology of excimer laser angioplasty, coupled with the recognition of new clinical opportunities for this treatment modality, have resulted in a resurgence of interest in the laser. Three clinical trials are now being conducted to explore potential applications, including the LARS trial of excimer laser versus balloon angioplasty to treat in-stent restenosis, the PELA trial of excimer laser angioplasty in occluded superficial femoral artery disease, and the LACI trial of excimer laser angioplasty in limb-threatening ischaemia. This article describes the rationale and objectives of these new approaches to some of the more challenging problems in cardiovascular disease.

Duke Scholars

Author James Enlou Tcheng Medicine, Cardiology