Current Status of Laser Coronary Angioplasty: Application of Excimer Laser

Abstract

Excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) has been applied for Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of patients with ischemic heart disease. By ELCA, atherosclerotic plaque can be vaporized and removed. There have been a few reports on advantage of ELCA over balloon PCI in treatment of in-stent restenosis or acute coronary syndrome. However,its advantage is still contravertial. We expect future progress of ELCA by modification of device and careful selection of the target lesions.