The use of carbon dioxide fiberoptic laser catheter for atrial septostomy

Benjamin Zeevi*, Dov Gal, Nelson Wolf, Michael Berant, Armand Abramovici, Leonard C. Blieden, Abraham Katzir

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The development of optical fibers capable of transmitting laser energy has encouraged the experimental use of laser irradiation for the treatment of acquired cardiovascular disorders. One of the key questions is which combination of laser source, energy parameters, and transmitting fiberoptic would be best suited for intravascular use. In most experiments argon, neodymium-YAG, and excimer lasers, coupled to suitable optical fibers, have been used. We now describe the use of a carbon dioxide fiberoptic laser catheter for the creation of an atrial septal defect. Silver halide infrared transmitting fibers were inserted into standard 6 French cardiovascular catheters. This laser catheter system, capable of transmitting several watts of pulsed CO2 laser energy, was initially used to create atrial septal defects in isolated dog hearts to determine the best energy parameters. Atrial septostomy was later performed successfully in four of five anesthetized dogs. The thermal damage extended 50 to 60 μm beyond the "holes" created by the laser irradiation in the interatrial septum. Thus, pulsed CO2 laser irradiation, delivered through optical fibers, can create an atrial septal defect.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)117-122
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Heart Journal
Volume116
Issue number1 PART 1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1988

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