Abstract
Various methods for the ablation of the atherosclerotic material that fills the coronary arteries are under investigation. Among them laser coronary angioplasty is one of the most promising. In this paper we show that the XeCl excimer laser (308 nm) offers many advantages which make it appear as a rather good tool. In vitro studies demonstrate the ability of precise control of the UV photoablation process, there is no thermal damage and the risk of perforation is reduced. A suitable laser-fiber optic delivery system has been developed and the results of the first in vivo procedures are very encouraging.