Lasers in peripheral vascular surgery

Laser energy applied to the vascular system was first reported in 1963 by McGuff and associates. Nearly 20 years later, much attention has been devoted in the media to laser applications in the treatment of atherosclerosis in the coronary circulation. While less attention has been directed toward laser applications for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease, peripheral vascular applications are now the major emphasis for clinical investigation of laser energy in the cardiovascular system. This report reviews the current status of clinical investigation and clinical/research issues facing workers studying laser applications in the peripheral vascular tree.