Contact Probes for Intravascular Laser Recanalization Experimental Evaluation

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Abstract
Experimental laser ablation of atheromatous plaques were performed with a bare quartz glass fiber, a metal probe, and a sapphire probe. The tissue response after irradiation with increasing energies was evaluated by means of light and scanning electron microscopy. Laser emission through the bare fiber caused a narrow, deep crater with an irregular surface surrounded by a zone of thermal necrosis. After tissue ablation with the metal probe, a disproportion between the small tissue defect and large zone of thermal necrosis was observed. The largest tissue defect was vaporized by the sapphire contact probe. A small zone of thermal necrosis surrounded the laser crater.