Transcatheter fiberoptic laser coagulation of blood vessels.

Abstract

In 10 rabbit ears, the central auricular artery was percutaneously catheterized and subjected to doses of laser energy transmitted through a flexible optical fiber within the artery. Arterial occlusion was not produced in the initial 3 ears using energy levels < 600 mW. Higher levels of laser energy, in the range of 800-1000 mW, caused arterial coagulation in 6 of the remaining 7 rabbit ears. Serial observations by transillumination of the ears, postmortem angiography and histologic examination demonstrated complete arterial ablation. Segmental arterial ablation is feasible using an intra-arterial optical fiber to direct laser energy to a specific arterial target. Technical refinements and potential therapeutic application are discussed.