How the Laser Works

The Spectranetics laser is an excimer laser. It uses light energy from the ultraviolet spectrum, similar to the light used in LASIK for eye surgery.

	A small fiber optic catheter is plugged into the excimer laser unit and moved to the top, or cap, of the blockage in the artery. When the catheter reaches the blockage site it transmits short bursts of ultraviolet energy through the flexible fibers of the catheter. The ultraviolet energy penetrates the top of the lesion, gently ablating a small portion of the blockage.
	The laser catheter moves slowly through the blockage, one millimeter per second, vaporizing the blockage. The laser light breaks chemical bonds at the molecular level and vaporizes intracellular water. The laser light breaks down the blockages into byproducts easily absorbed by the bloodstream.
	Once the blockage is cleared, the catheter is withdrawn and X-ray contrast dye is injected into the blood vessel, allowing the physician to assess the results of the procedure.

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