Single-laser approach for fluorescence guidance of excimer laser angioplasty at 308 nm: Evaluation in vitro and during coronary angioplasty

Background and Objective Spectroscopic guidance of laser angioplasty has been attempted using a diagnostic He‐Cd laser in addition to the therapeutic laser system. This study evaluated a single‐laser approach for simultaneous ablation and fluorescence excitation. Study Design/Materials and Methods: A spectroscopy system was coupled to a clinical XeCl excimer laser. Ablation of 162 human aortic samples in saline and blood with 45 mJ/mm2 per pulse yielded 676 fluorescence spectra validated histologically. The same equipment was used in 16 patients for angioplasty of 18 coronary stenoses applying 500 to 1,725 pulses with 45 to 60 mJ/mm2 under saline flushing. A total of 783 spectra were recorded and validated by intracoronary ultrasound (categories: atheroma, fibrous plaque, calcified lesion). Results In vitro, 5 types of spectra could be differentiated: (1) atheroma, (2) fibrous plaque, (3) calcified lesion in saline, (4) media, and (5) calcified lesion in blood. Discriminant analysis prospectively classified 576 validation spectra with the following sensitivity and specificity for each type: (1) 83.5 and 97.1%, (2) 85.7 and 96.8%, (3) 100 and 98.5%, (4) 98.1 and 99.3%, (5) 98.9 and 100%, respectively. In vivo, type 1, 2, 3, and 5 spectra were also observed, but not the media spectrum. The predominant sonographic category also prevailed in spectroscopy. Calcified lesions yielded type 3 and 5 as well as mixed spectra. Conclusions Using an excimer laser for angioplasty allows combining ablation and fluorescence excitation without a diagnostic laser. Principal types of atherosclerotic lesions and the media can be differentiated spectroscopically with this approach. Lasers Surg. Med. 20:382–393, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.