The effects of varying lengths and powers of co₂ laser pulses transmitted through an optical fiber on atherosclerotic plaques

We have studied the changes induced in atherosclerotic arteries by a CO₂ laser beam delivered through a silver halide optical fiber. We found that the crater depth and diameter correlate with the total energy delivered and with the mode of delivery. Short‐duration high‐power pulses caused shallower and narrower craters and less damage to the arterial wall compared to the same energy delivered as low‐power pulses of long duration. Thus, high‐power pulses for short periods may be an effective and safe procedure for evaporization of atherosclerotic plaques.