Carbon dioxide laser energy was used for the dissolution of atheromatous plaques. Delivery

Carbon dioxide laser energy was used for the dissolution of atheromatous plaques. Delivery system was based on a AgCliAgBr fiber which was inserted in a loose teflon tube. The system was used to vaporize human plaques in vitro as well as blocked human arteries which were transplanted in dogs. Preliminary results indicate that a system based on a C0~ laser and an infrared transmitting fiber may be useful in cardiology.