Holmium laser coronary thrombolysis--a new treatment modality for revascularization in acute myocardial infarction: review

Thrombolytic therapy has changed the approach to management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although its therapeutic benefit has been well established, only about one-third of AMI patients receive lytics. In AMI patients for whom thrombolytics fail to achieve revascularization or for whom lytics are contraindicated, percutaneous transluminal coronary balloon angioplasty (PTCA) can be utilized. However, in a clinical setting of AMI PTCA is less successful and is associated with a higher complication rate than with PTCA for angina alone. This review details a novel application of laser angioplasty; in patients with AMI complicated by continuous chest pain and ischemia, a mid-infrared (2.1 micron) solid-state, pulsed-wave Holmium:YAG coronary laser (Eclipse, Palo Alto, CA) can be utilized for coronary thrombolysis and plaque ablation. In each patient the laser was applied after failure of a thrombolytic agent or when thrombolytics were contraindicated. We have gained experience with 13 lesions, 12 in a coronary artery and 1 in a vein graft. In each case a multifiber with laser catheter (1.4, 1.5, 1.7 or 2.0 mm) was advanced over a guide wire, emitting 250-600 mj/pulse at 5 Hz, followed by adjunctive PTCA. Clinical success (defined as less than or equal to 50% residual stenosis, adequate thrombolysis, no complications [including death, CVA, CABGs, dissection, perforation]) was achieved in all patients. All patients improved clinically, survived the AMI, and were discharged. This initial clinical experience demonstrates the feasibility and safety of Holmium:YAG coronary laser angioplasty in revascularization during AMI.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)