Laser angioplasty using a bare Nd-Yag laser beam was used on 25 occluded vessels. Sixty-six percent of the vessels were successfully recanalized (GI), and this resulted in a higher increase in ankle brachial index (0.23 vs 0.07, p<.01) than in nonsuccessful cases (GII). The length of occlusion (14 and 16 cm) and length lased (11 and 11 cm) were not significantly different between GI and GII, respectively. Three perforations and five incomplete recanalizations resulted in no major morbidity to GII patients. Sixty percent (9/15) of lesions longer than 15 cm were recanalized compared with 78 % (7/9) of lesions shorter than 15 cm. Vessel calcifications were less commonly seen in GI than in GII (50% vs 100%, p< .05) . All noncalcified vessels were successfully recanalized. The authors con clude that Nd-Yag laser angioplasty is a safe and effective procedure in selected patients.
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