Laser showed hope as an alternative to Angioplasty
People whose arteries (blood vessels) get blocked due to cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes may now get a quicker treatment as a high-powered laser, which unblocks or clear arteries in minutes, has been designed in the UK.
The first two patients were treated at University College Hospital in London and were discharged the next day, instead of spending weeks in hospital.
Currently, angioplasty procedure that uses the small tube, or stent, to widen the artery is used. It is an incredibly difficult treatment to unblock an artery, especially if a patient has a stent. Before, patients had to spend up to ten days in hospital.
With the laser there is no need for further surgery. Instead, the device vaporises tissue in minbloodutes with the help of ultra violet light, which delivers short bursts of energy. The light is transmitted through 30 glass filaments, which are guided through the blockage in the artery with a special catheter called the Turbo Elite. Once the tissue has been blasted away, normal flow is restored.
Another advantage of the laser over traditional treatments is that any remaining particles are absorbed into the bloodstream and safely passed out of the body.
Scientist are expecting soon laser will replace angioplasty for heart, stroke or other diseases.
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