Intravascular low-power laser irradiation after coronary stenting: Long-term follow-up

Background and Objective: A high restenosis rate remains a Limiting factor for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and stenting. The object ive of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravascular red laser the rapy (IRLT) on restenosis after stenting procedures in de novo lesions. Study Design/Materials and Methods: A total of 68 consecutive patients were treated with IRLT in conjunction with coronary stenting procedures. Mean l esion length was 16.5 +/-2.4 mm. Reference vessel diameter (RVD) and pre-mi nimal lumen diameter (MLD) were 2.90 +/-0.15 mm and 1.12 +/-0.26 mm, respec tively. Results: After treatment, MLD was 2.76 +/-0.32 mm with no procedural compli cations or in-hospital. adverse events. Angiographic follow-up (n=61) revea led restenosis in nine patients (14.7%) with rate by artery size of >3 mm ( n=21) 0%; 2.5-3.0 mm (n=28) 14.2%; and <2.5 mm (n=12) 41.6%. Conclusion: Intravascular red light therapy is safe, feasible, and reduces expected restenosis rate after coronary stenting. <(c)> 2001 Wiley-Liss, In c.