Percutaneous transluminal laser angioplasty was carried out on 59 occasions. Nd: YAG laser was used.
In case of contact method with a ceramic tip, 15 to 20 W was applied for one to 2 seconds, during flushing with normal saline. The procedure was repeated until a desired effect is obtained. A bare laser fiber was also used.
The initial success rate was 86.4%.
The patency rate of the iliac artery was 88.9%, and that of femoropopliteal artery was 74.9%. PTLA of tibial or peroneal artery was also successful in 5 cases.
Vascular endoscopy was useful in assessing the nature of arterial occlusive disease.
