The data underline the workability and safety of this procedure. However, laser angioplasty so far has been used as a stand-alone technique only in minority of the cases. Clinical studies have also shown that excimer laser angioplasty does not reduce the incidence of restenosis. While safer, laser angioplasty still can injure vessel walls by high-pressure waves or bubble formation. Technical and procedural progress including homogeneous light distribution, infusion of saline, and the concept of smooth laser ablation have been pushed forward to make excimer laser angioplasty safer, more predictable, more precise, and more effective.
Researchers continue to work for the development of new laser methods to be used in angioplasty.
Promising new lasers are expected to have less thermal tissue damage. YAG laser has recently been used for angioplasty. Inc. St. Louis, Missouri. Gerald, D. and Darrell, L. Understanding Lasers. Futura Publishing Company, Inc., Mount Kisco, NY. 1991.