Selective absorption of ultraviolet laser energy by human atherosclerotic plaque treated with tetracycline

Tetracycline is an antibiotic that absorbs ultraviolet light at 355 nm and preferentially binds to atherosclerotic plaque both in vitro and in vivo. Tetracycline-treated human cadaveric aorta was compared with untreated aorta using several techniques: absorptive spectrophotometry, which demonstrated a distinct absorptive peak at 355 nm in tetracycline-treated plaque that was absent in treated normal vessel; ultraviolet microscopy, which showed that treated atheroma acquired the characteristic fluorescence of tetracycline under ultraviolet light; and tissue uptake of radiolabeled tetracycline, which showed 4-fold greater uptake by atheroma than by normal vessel. In addition, intravenous tetracycline administered to patients undergoing vascular surgery demonstrated characteristic fluorescence in surgically excised diseased arteries. Because of tetracycline's unique properties, we exposed tetracycline-treated and untreated aorta to ultraviolet laser radiation at a wavelength of 355 nm. We found enhanced ablation of tetracycline-treated atheroma compared with untreated atheroma. The plaque ablation caused by ultraviolet laser radiation was twice as extensive in tetracycline-treated vs nontreated plaque (2.2 +/- 0.25 mm vs 1.3 +/- 0.55 mm, p less than 0.017). This study demonstrates the potential of tetracycline plaque enhancement for the selective destruction of atheroma by ultraviolet laser radiation.     

Fluorescence-guided laser-assisted balloon angioplasty in patients with femoropopliteal occlusions

In 12 patients (aged 64 +/- 10 years) with femoropopliteal occlusions (1-27 cm; average, 8.4 cm length) that could not be recanalized by standard guidewire-balloon angioplasty techniques, percutaneous laser-assisted balloon angioplasty was performed by use of a new fluorescence-guided dual-laser system. Plaque detection by 325-nm laser-excited fluorescence spectroscopy provided real-time feedback control to a 480-nm pulsed dye laser (2-microseconds pulses) for atheroma ablation. By means of a common 200-microns optical fiber, after diagnostic fluorescence sensing, computer algorithms directed a fire or no-fire signal (5 Hz) to the treatment laser for selective plaque removal. Laser recanalization (15-50 mJ/pulse) was successful in 10 of 12 patients; this procedure was followed by definitive balloon angioplasty in seven of 12 patients with increased ankle/arm indexes (from 0.60 +/- 0.12 at baseline to 0.84 +/- 0.11 after treatment, p = 0.0043). In laser and balloon angioplasty failures, all femoropopliteal occlusions were heavily calcified, and there were two mechanical guidewire perforations without clinical sequelae. Ablation of calcified lesions required higher pulse energies and greater total energy per centimeter of recanalized tissue (1,837 +/- 1,251 mJ/cm vs. 90 +/- 39 mJ/cm, p = 0.0036). Fluorescence spectroscopy (n = 219 sites) was helpful in flush occlusions and correctly identified plaque, underlying media, and thrombus by changes in fluorescence intensity, shape, and peak position. Thus, when fluorescence-guided laser angioplasty was used in a subgroup of patients refractory to standard angioplasty techniques, primary recanalization and subsequent balloon angioplasty of femoropopliteal occlusions was successful in 83% and 58% of the patients, respectively. Importantly, treatment of heavily calcified lesions accounted for all of the failures and will require modified delivery systems to create larger primary channels and to increase catheter-tip control, which should improve clinical results in the future.     

Percutaneous angioplasty using spectroscopy-guided pulsed laser

Percutaneous laser angioplasty was performed in 19 patients with calcified and non-calcified occlusions (4-25 cm long) of the superficial femoral artery, using a pulsed dye laser at 480 nm and a pulse duration of 2 microseconds per pulse. The treatment laser was guided by a 325 nm diagnostic laser that induced tissue fluorescence. The laser system operated through a single 200 microns optical fiber. Computer spectral analysis of the tissue fluorescence located at the distal end of the fiber tip directed emission of the treatment laser only at the atheroma without affecting the arterial wall. A successful primary laser recanalization was obtained in all cases and was followed by balloon dilation in all but one patient. One mechanical perforation and 2 mechanical arterial dissections by the fiber, and 1 perforation and 1 dissection by the guide wire occurred, but no complications due to the treatment or diagnostic laser were observed. The safety of the procedure seemed to be enhanced by the spectroscopic guidance system which enabled plaque recognition. The pulsed dye treatment laser was well tolerated and effective even in heavily calcified arteries.     

Percutaneous pulsed laser-assisted balloon angioplasty guided by spectroscopy

Percutaneous laser angioplasty was performed in 19 patients with total superficial femoral calcified and noncalcified (4 to 25 cm length) occlusions; a pulsed dye laser of 480 nm was used with a pulse duration of 2 musec/pulse. The treatment laser was guided by a 325 nm diagnostic laser that induced fluorescence. The laser system operated through a single 200 or 500 microns optical fiber. Computerized spectral analysis of the tissue fluorescence located at the distal of the fiber tip allowed the treatment laser to be emitted on the atheroma and not on the arterial wall. Uniform success in primary laser recanalization was demonstrated, which allowed for subsequent balloon dilatation in all but one patient. One mechanical fiber perforation, two mechanical fiber dissections, one guidewire perforation, and one guidewire dissection occurred, but no complications resulting from the treatment or diagnostic laser were observed. The safety of the procedure appears to be enhanced by the spectroscopic guidance system, which allows recognition of plaque. The pulsed dye treatment laser was well tolerated and effective even in heavily calcified arteries.     

Characterization of human coronary artery atherosclerotic plaque fluorescence emission

Preliminary trials using fluorescence guidance of laser ablation in femoral arteries have been successful. There have, however, been few studies of the characteristics of fluorescence emissions from coronary arteries. A large series of fluorescence emission spectra from human coronary artery specimens was examined. Analysis included: fluorescence emission during excitation with ultraviolet and visible light; histologic correlations between plaque content and thickness, averaged spectra and fluorescence intensity ratios; and differences in specific plaque morphology with excitation of the same coronary specimens at 325 or 458 nm. Ratios of fluorescence emission intensity at selected wavelengths were calculated for both 325 and 458 nm excitation (13 wavelengths, 78 ratios for 325 nm; 11 wavelengths, 55 ratios for 458 nm). The following were found: atherosclerotic lesions in human coronary arteries were characterized by an increase in normalized fluorescence intensity at longer wavelengths when excited with either ultraviolet or visible light; calcific plaque content greater than 10% in lesions more than 1 mm thick was identified by increased normalized fluorescence intensity at 443 nm during excitation at 325 nm; and fatty plaque content correlated with fluorescence intensity ratios during 325 nm excitation, whereas fibrous and calcific content correlated well with fluorescence ratios during 458 nm excitation. It is concluded that characteristic fluorescence emission has the potential to correctly identify and characterize plaque morphology in human coronary arteries.     

Biochemical basis for the difference between normal and atherosclerotic arterial fluorescence

The observation that laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra of atherosclerotic and normal artery are different has been proposed as the basis for guiding a "smart" laser angioplasty system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes of this difference in LIF. Helium-cadmium laser-induced (325 nm) fluorescence was recorded from pure samples of known constituents of normal and atherosclerotic artery including collagen, elastin, calcium, cholesterol, and glycosaminoglycans. Similarities between the LIF spectra of atherosclerotic plaque and collagen and normal aorta and elastin were noted. LIF spectroscopy was then performed on specimens of atherosclerotic aortic plaque (n = 9) and normal aorta (n = 13) and on their extracted lipid, collagen, and elastin. Lipid extraction did not significantly alter atherosclerotic plaque or normal aortic LIF, suggesting a minor contribution of lipid to arterial LIF. The LIF spectra of normal aorta wall was similar to the spectra of the extracted elastin, whereas the LIF spectra of atherosclerotic aortic plaque was similar to the spectra of the extracted collagen. These observations are consistent with the reported relative collagen-to-elastin content ratio of 0.5 for normal arterial wall and 7.3 for atherosclerotic plaque. A classification algorithm was developed to discriminate normal and atherosclerotic aortic spectra based on an elastin and collagen spectral decomposition. A discriminant score was formed by the difference of elastin and collagen (E-C) coefficients and used to classify 182 aortic fluorescence spectra. The mean E-C value was +0.83 +/- 0.04 for normal and -0.48 +/- 0.07 for atherosclerotic aorta (p less than 0.001). Classification accuracy was 92%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Fluorescence analysis of biochemical constituents identifies atherosclerotic plaque with a thin fibrous cap

Vulnerable plaque generally contains a thin fibrous cap, lipid pools, and reduced internal plaque collagen. Arterial fluorescence analysis can differentiate atherosclerotic lesions from normal arteries; however, the contribution of the lipid core to atherosclerotic arterial fluorescence remains controversial. This study aimed to identify lipid core fluorophores and to differentiate the lipid core from normal artery and atheroma. The helium-cadmium laser-induced fluorescence spectra of cadaveric arteries and known chemical constituents were recorded. Lipid core fluorescence spectra exhibited marked red shifts and broadening compared with the fluorescence spectra of normal tissue and atheroma. Similar fluorescence spectra were obtained for lipid core and oxidized low density lipoprotein, for atheroma and collagen, and for normal artery and elastin. A classification based on collagen, elastin, and oxidized low density lipoprotein spectral decomposition could discriminate the lipid core (n=29), normal artery (n=74), atheroma (n=73), and preatheroma (n=10) with 86% accuracy. Fibrous cap thickness was correlated with the spectral collagen content index (r=0.65, P<0.0001), especially at a thickness of <200 microm. We conclude that a classification algorithm based on chemical spectral decomposition can accurately classify the fluorescence spectra of normal artery, atheroma, and lipid core and may be useful in identifying vulnerable atheroma in vivo.     

Laser-Tissue Interactions With the Pulsed Dye Laser

The laser-tissue interaction of the pulsed dye laser was assessed. The histological appearance of the craters showed precise margins with no evidence of collateral thermal tissue damage. The ablation of soft yellow atheroma was consistently about two- to threefold that of normal wall, but fibrous white atheroma was resistant to laser energy, and was ablated less than normal wall. The maximum probe tip temperature in air was 197°C, but there was relatively little heating of the coronary artery wall during lasing, and this was minimized by saline perfusion at low flow rates. Lasing produces up to 10¹² irregularly shaped debris particles per liter. Debris from thrombus and normal aorta caused significant platelet aggregation in vitro, but atheromatous debris did not. In conclusion, the characteristics of the pulsed dye laser are suitable for intravascular lasing, but selective ablation of atheroma was not achieved.     

Spatial fluorescence imaging of atherosclerotic plaque: contrast enhancement by 2 wavelength laser stimulation, digital image processing and dye marking]

A new video-enhanced fluorescence imaging technique has been used for the first time for in vitro differentiation of human atherosclerotic plaques vs normal arterial wall. Laser-induced superficial tissue fluorescence of specimens from human aorta was documented after alternating excitation with violet (405 nm +/- 5 nm) and blue (470 nm +/- 10 nm) krypton-ion laser light. Subsequent digital subtraction of the corresponding fluorescence images allowed to differentiate areas of atherosclerosis from normal intima. Fluorescence intensity was correlated with the morphological aspect of samples and histology of the plaque. Dihematoporphyrin-ether/ester (DHE) incubation enhanced fluorescence contrast of plaques in comparison to normal artery vessel wall. Depending on the concentration of the incubation solution (10, 20, and 40 micrograms DHE/ml NaCl solution), fluorescence increased. Fluorescence intensity was highest in fatty plaque areas, while calcific lesions showed no substantial DHE uptake.     

Excimer laser-induced simultaneous ablation and spectral identification of normal and atherosclerotic arterial tissue layers

A krypton-fluorine excimer laser at a 248-nm wavelength was used to irradiate normal and severely atherosclerotic segments of human postmortem femoral arteries. Single pulses and multiple pulses required for penetration or perforation of the arterial wall were applied with 16 nsec pulse width and 5 J/cm2/pulse energy fluence. The total fluorescence of irradiated and ablated tissue was analyzed in real-time mode by means of spectroscopy. Each laser pulse produced one spectrum that was characteristic of the composition of the tissue layer, which was ablated. Fluorescence spectroscopy indicated a broad-continuum emission between 300 and 700 nm with peak fluorescence of equal intensity at wavelengths of 370 and 460 nm (ratio, 1.004 +/- 0.087) for normal media layers. Atheromas without calcification (lipid, fibrous, and mixed) were found with spectral maxima at the same wavelengths but with significantly reduced intensity at 460 nm (ratio, 1.765 +/- 0.263; p less than 0.001). In contrast to this broad-continuum fluorescence, calcified plaques displayed multiple-line emission with the most prominent peaks at wavelengths of 397, 442, 450, 461, 528, and 558 nm. These fluorescence criteria identified the histologically classified target tissue precisely. Histological examination of the corresponding arterial layers indicated sharply delineated and circumscribed tissue ablation. These results indicate that simultaneous tissue identification (diagnosis) and ablation (treatment) by excimer laser irradiation is feasible under strict laboratory conditions. We conclude that this principle demonstrates the potential for laser beam control by means of target-specific ablation.     

A comparison of excimer laser, thermal probe, and mechanical devices for recanalizing occluded human arteries

To evaluate the mechanism of excimer laser recanalization and compare the results with those of laser-assisted thermal probe recanalization and mechanical recanalization, a total of 42 human atherosclerotic totally occluded arterial segments (2-15 cm long) were recanalized by excimer laser with a 400-800 micron quartz fiber pulsed at 20 Hz with 50 mJ/mm2 of energy (n = 21), an Argon heated thermal probe at 10-12 watts (n = 11), a guidewire directed through a 6 Fr multipurpose catheter, or an angioplasty balloon catheter (n = 10). On histologic examination, the excimer laster created a single round lumen or multiple lumens ("Swiss-cheese" like appearance) with no evidence of thermal injury at the perimeter of the lumen. The incidence of perforation in vitro was less with an excimer laser catherter (8/21 or 38%) than with the thermal prove (10/11 or 91%) (p less than 0.01). However, serial histologic cross-sectional examination showed that the pathway of the devices were essentially the same in all recanalization procedures. The pathway of the device was located outside the atheroma but proximal to the internal elastic membrane in 13 arteries with the excimer laser (62%), in 10 arteries with the thermal probe (91%), and 8 arteries with mechanical devices (80%). These results indicate that although the eximer laser could recanalize human atherosclerotic arteries without thermal injury, the fiber frequently deflected around firm atherosclerotic plaque and advanced in a dissection plane between the plaque and media. A similar course was noted for the thermal probe or during mechanical recanalization with a guidewire and catheter. To insure the safety of an excimer fiber or a thermal probe to reopen complete occlusions, better guidance systems must be developed.     

Fluorescence spectroscopy for identification of atherosclerotic tissue.

OBJECTIVE: Vessel perforation and limited steerability of the laser light are the major limitations of laser angioplasty. To improve steerability fluorescence spectroscopy has been proposed for identification of atherosclerotic plaques. The aim was to investigate this. METHODS: Fluorescence spectroscopy with three different excitation wavelengths (325 nm, 380 nm, 450 nm) was tested in an emission range of 400 nm to 600 nm. Intensity ratios at 480/420 nm were determined in different types of blood vessels. Necropsy material from 40 patients (punch biopsies of 4 mm diameter from the coronary and carotid artery as well as from the ascending and descending aorta) was studied spectroscopically. Histological alterations of the vessel wall were assessed by a semiquantitative score (0 to 10 points): (a) normal tissue, 0 to 2 points (mean = 0.25; n = 38); (b) mild atherosclerotic lesions, 3 to 5 points (mean = 3.35; n = 39); (c) severe atherosclerotic lesions, greater than or equal to 6 points (mean = 6.75; n = 43). RESULTS: Best spectroscopic results were obtained with an excitation wavelength of 325 nm. In samples with severe atherosclerotic lesions the fluorescence spectra showed a significant reduction of the emitted wavelength intensities when compared to normal tissue. There was a clear separation of the fluorescence spectra between normal and mild as well as between normal and severe atherosclerotic lesions; normal tissue showed an increased intensity in the range from 420 nm to 540 nm, whereas atherosclerotic lesions had no or only a small peak at 480 nm. There was a significant correlation between the semiquantitative score (n = 120) and the fluorescence ratio at 480/420 nm (excitation wavelength 325 nm) with a correlation coefficient of 0.87. The spectroscopic results showed no differences between the samples taken from different types of vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescence spectroscopy allows a reliable identification of normal and atherosclerotic lesions. The close correlation between the emitted light intensity ratio at 480/420 nm and the histological alterations of the vessel wall suggests a relationship between vessel wall fluorescence and the atherosclerotic alterations of the wall.     

Pulsed laser and thermal ablation of atherosclerotic plaque: morphometrically defined surface thrombogenicity in studies using an annular perfusion chamber.

Although clinical trials using laser and thermal angioplasty devices have been underway, the effects of pulsed laser and thermal ablation of atherosclerotic plaque on surface thrombogenicity are poorly understood. This study examined the changes in platelet adherence and thrombus formation on freshly harvested atherosclerotic aorta segments from Watanabe-heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits after ablation by two pulsed laser sources (308-nm xenon chloride excimer and 2,940-nm erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet [YAG] lasers) and a prototype catalytic hot-tip catheter. Specimens were placed in a modified Baumgartner annular chamber and perfused with citrated whole human blood, followed by quantitative morphometric analysis to determine the percent surface coverage by adherent platelets and thrombi in the treated and contiguous control areas. Pulsed excimer laser ablation of plaque did not change platelet adherence or thrombus formation in the treated versus control zones. However, photothermal plaque ablation with a pulsed erbium:YAG laser resulted in a 67% reduction in platelet adherence, compared with levels in control areas (from 16.7 +/- 2.2% to 5.5 +/- 1.8%; p less than 0.005). Similarly, after plaque ablation using a catalytic thermal angioplasty device, there was a 74% reduction in platelet adherence (from 29.2 +/- 5.1% to 7.7 +/- 1.6%; p less than 0.005) and a virtual absence of platelet thrombi (from 8.6 +/- 2.3% to 0.03 +/- 0.03%; p less than 0.005). This reduced surface thrombogenicity after plaque ablation with either an erbium:YAG laser or a catalytic hot-tip catheter suggests that thermal modifications in the arterial surface ultrastructure or thermal denaturation of surface proteins, or both, may be responsible for reduced platelet adherence. These in vitro findings indicate that controlled thermal plaque ablation by catheter-based techniques may elicit endovascular responses that can reduce early thrombus formation during angioplasty procedures.     

The interaction between excimer laser energy and vascular tissue

The effects of XeF1 excimer laser on isolated normal and atherosclerotic aorta were studied. Experiments were performed in flowing water at constant temperature, flow rate, water depth, pulse width (10 nsec), wavelength (351 nm), beam size (1 mm2) and focal length (50 cm). The number of pulses, the pulse energy, and the pulse frequency were varied, and the vascular tissue was studied histologically. The following observations were made: tissue ablation required a minimum threshold pulse energy and was nonlinearly proportional to the number of pulses and the pulse energy delivered; precise tissue ablation occurred at low pulse frequencies, but changes resembling a thermal process were seen as pulse frequency increased; calcified plaque was more photoresistant than atheroma or normal vessel; excimer laser energy was markedly attenuated by blood; and the time interval between pulses and high peak power are related to the precision of ablation by pulsed excimer laser. It is concluded that excimer laser can rapidly and precisely ablate vascular tissue by a photothermal process.     

Pulsed emission in laser coronary angioplasty. Theoretical bases and experimental application

The aim of this study was to evaluate the thermal diffusion of a pulsed laser beam in atheroma and to obtain in vitro vaporisation of the plaque without causing arterial wall lesions. A computerised mathematical model integrated 4 parameters: reflectivity, thermal conduction, the absorption factor and coefficient of diffusion. The thermal diffusion was shown to be dependent on the time constant and the temperature of vaporisation may be best attained with a short burst (200 ns) with a high peak power (6000 w). The experimentation was performed on fresh debris and segments of epicardial coronary arteries which were exposed to a pulsed laser beam with a frequency of 1000 Hz in bursts of 200 ns at wave lengths of 1060 and 532 nm. The results were evaluated by microscopic examination of transverse sections perpendicular to the lumen of the artery. Effective vaporisation of atheroma was observed with weak mean dissipating powers (0.4 w) about 10 times weaker than with continuous node emission; examination of the underlying arterial wall showed no thermal or mechanical damage.     

Laser angioplasty

Laser energy is capable of breaking up plaques of atheroma to clear obstructed arteries. Laser rays are transmitted by optic fibers, fine and flexible, or bundles of fibers. In order to avoid perforation of the arterial wall, major difficulty and pitfall of this technique, a centering balloon is used or an absorption gradient between plaque and normal tissue, or improved guiding devices such as angioscopy, ultrasounds or detection of the atheroma by spectroscopy. The laser energy may also be transformed into heat, procedure carried out by thermoplasty. In order to avoid the drawbacks of the cutting end of the bare optic fibers, it may be covered with sapphire optics which conducts well laser energy. Arterial and coronary disobstructions were performed by so called continuous lasers, such as Argon, YAG of pulsed laser such as Excimer or color lasers. These are selectively absorbed by the atheroma and operate according to a computerized system after detection of atheromatous plaques by spectroscopy. Excellent results have recently been obtained with such a system on short and long term complete peripheral arterial obstructions.     

Pulsed ultraviolet laser irradiation produces endothelium-independent relaxation of vascular smooth muscle

Recent studies have shown that continuous wave laser irradiation induces contraction of vascular smooth muscle, except at powers far below the threshold for tissue ablation. To determine the corresponding effects of pulsed laser irradiation on vascular smooth muscle tone, vascular rings of rabbit thoracic aorta were mounted isometrically with 1 g tension in Krebs-bicarbonate buffer and irradiated with 308 or 351 nm from an excimer laser through a 400-microns optical fiber. A total of 250 exposures were performed with 1-6.5 mJ/pulse (fluence = 0.8-5.5 J/cm2), 10-50 Hz, and cumulative exposures of 10-120 seconds. Excimer laser irradiation in combinations of pulse energy (PE), repetition rate (RR), and cumulative exposure below, at, or above threshold for tissue ablation consistently produced relaxation unassociated with contraction in each of the 250 exposures. For the total 250 exposures, the magnitude of relaxation (reduction in recorded tension, Rmax) was 55 +/- 4% (mean +/- SEM) of maximum vasomotor reactivity recorded in the specimen in response to administration of serotonin. Rmax varied directly with both PE and RR. When PE was increased from 1 to 5 mJ/pulse (n = 13), Rmax increased from 57 +/- 19% to 80 +/- 19% (p less than 0.0001); when RR was increased from 10 to 50 Hz (n = 10), Rmax increased from 27 +/- 8 to 46 +/- 8 (p less than 0.0001). Rmax varied independently of endothelial integrity (assessed anatomically and pharmacologically) and wavelength (308 vs. 351 nm). Simultaneously recorded tissue-temperature profiles disclosed that during pulsed laser irradiation, tissue temperature rise did not exceed 5 degrees C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

2型糖尿病患者下肢血管病变及斑块形成的超声表现与冠状动脉粥样硬化形成的相关性研究

目的探究2型糖尿病患者下肢血管病变及斑块形成的超声表现与冠状动脉粥样硬化形成的相关性。方法该研究选取2018年4月—2020年4月纳入的240例经过下肢动脉血管和冠状动脉血管彩色超声检查的2型糖尿病患者,根据下肢动脉血管超声结果将患者分为下肢血管疾病(LEAD)组(n=126)和非LEAD组(n=114),根据冠状动脉血管彩色超声检查结果和询问病史将患者分为冠状动脉粥样组(n=111)和非冠状动脉粥样组(n=129)。分析2型糖尿病患者下肢血管病变及斑块形成的超声表现与冠状动脉粥样硬化形成的相关性。结果非LEAD组中冠状动脉粥样发生率为28.95%(n=33),LEAD组中下肢动脉硬化患者44例,冠状动脉粥样发生率为36.36%(n=16),下肢动脉狭窄<50%或者管道存在斑块患者59例,冠状动脉粥样发生率为61.02%(n=36),下肢动脉狭窄大于50%或管道闭塞患者23例,冠状动脉粥样发生率为78.26%(n=18)。LEAD组三种级别患者于非LEAD组患者比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。使用Logistic多元逐步回归分析冠状动脉粥样硬化的影响因素显示,冠状动脉粥样硬化的独立影响因素是LEAD和T2DM病程糖尿病病程。在单变量分析中,T2DM患者在合并下肢动脉病变时,冠状动脉粥样患病风险不明显。在超声提示的不同程度下肢动脉病变中,未校正模型中,存在下LEAD患者冠状动脉粥样风险均显著提高。在纠正其他混杂因素(年龄、糖尿病病程、血脂水平)后,下肢血管狭窄率<50%或存在斑块(OR:5.949,95%CI:2.628~18.172,P<0.001)和下肢血管狭窄率>50%或血管阻塞(OR:15.165,95%CI:7.286~38.579,P<0.001)具有明显的相关性。结论2型糖尿病患者下肢血管超声检测对发现并提示冠状动脉粥样具有一定"预警"意义。     

Ultrasonic energy. Effects on vascular function and integrity

BACKGROUND. Ultrasonic energy transmitted via flexible wire probes provides a new means of ablating atherosclerotic plaque. We studied the effects of ultrasonic energy (20 kHz) delivered via a ball-tipped wire probe on arterial vasomotor behavior in rabbit thoracic aortas in a perfused whole-vessel model. METHODS AND RESULTS. After precontraction with phenylephrine (10(-5) M) or KCl (60 mM), the effects of ultrasonic energy (0.7-5.5 W x 60 seconds, 42-330 J) on arterial vasomotor behavior were measured using long-axis ultrasonic vessel imaging of the proximal (ultrasonic probe-treated) and distal (untreated) control segments. The efficacy of plaque ablation at these same probe-tip power outputs was evaluated in atherosclerotic, human cadaver iliofemoral arteries. Ultrasonic energy caused dose (energy)-dependent relaxation in rabbit aortas after precontraction with phenylephrine in arteries with endothelium (n = 8) and without endothelium (n = 8) (p less than 0.001 versus ultrasound treated at power outputs of 2.9 and 5.5 W). There was no difference in the relaxation dose responses between endothelialized and endothelially denuded segments (p = NS). Ultrasonic energy also caused significant relaxation (67 +/- 8%) after voltage-dependent precontraction with 60 mM KCl. Temperature measurements revealed less than 1 degrees C warming of the vessel wall during as long as 2 minutes of treatment at a power output of 5.5 W. Pathological examination showed no smooth muscle injury at (moderate) power outputs that caused arterial relaxation. At probe-tip power outputs of 2.9-5.5 W, ultrasonic energy recanalized two of two totally occluded cadaveric iliofemoral vessel segments. The ultrasonic ablation catheter was also demonstrated to cause arterial relaxation in a recanalized canine femoral artery in vivo. CONCLUSIONS. Ultrasonic energy delivered via a flexible-wire probe produces dose-dependent, endothelium-independent smooth muscle relaxation capable of reversing both receptor-mediated and voltage-dependent vasoconstriction in vitro. At moderate power outputs, this relaxation response does not appear to be due to thermal effects or irreversible smooth muscle cell injury. This vasorelaxant effect of ultrasonic energy is also apparent in vivo, at doses that effectively ablate atherosclerotic plaque, and may improve the safety of arterial recanalization using ultrasonic energy.     

Ultrasonic plaque ablation. A new method for recanalization of partially or totally occluded arteries

The potential application of ultrasonic energy for ablation of atherosclerotic plaques was studied in human atherosclerotic arteries with continuous and pulsed delivery of energy. With a prototype ultrasonic wire probe (n = 79 segments), there was gross reduction in vascular lesions as well as microscopic disruption of fibrous and calcified plaques. Normal portions of vessels appeared unaffected by the application of ultrasound. The prototype ultrasonic wire catheter ablated calcific deposits in less than 10 seconds. With this probe, all 26 complete atherosclerotic occlusions 0.5-5 cm in length were recanalized irrespective of the presence of calcium. Twenty-four of the segments were reopened in less than 20 seconds. By light microscopy, the site of plaque ablation was smooth, concave, and conformed to the shape of the probe tip. In 17 samples, there was evidence of thermal injury, and in six of the 79 samples studied with the prototype probe, there was vascular perforation. No vascular perforation occurred without thermal damage, when pulsed (rather than continuous) ultrasonic energy was used (n = 40) or when the duration of application was less than 30 seconds, with power output less than 25 W and with the probe oriented parallel to the wall (n = 26). Thus, by modifying the duration, mode, and magnitude of the ultrasonic power output, thermal injury and vascular perforation may be avoided. In vivo intra-arterial ultrasonic angioplasty of a canine chronic femoral fibrocellular occlusion was also performed. A preliminary in vivo study demonstrated feasibility of the percutaneous application of intra-arterial ultrasonic recanalization. Thus, ultrasonic energy appears to have potential as a method for ablation of occlusive atherosclerotic plaque.