The current status of laser angioplasty: coronary and peripheral results
Article Abstract:
In 1979, Andreas Gruentzig reported that he had opened both coronary and peripheral arteries by inflating a balloon at the end of a thin, flexible catheter. Today, a standard procedure involves inserting the balloon-tipped catheter into a blood vessel via a needle puncture. This catheter is used to diagnose a vessel; a laser-delivery catheter is then inserted and used to treat the vessel. Thermal injury is kept to a minimum by using specially designed excimers and short-pulsed near IR systems. Frequently, a balloon dilatation (PTA/PTCA) is performed after the laser treatment, creating the threat of a shock wave injury. The long-range effectiveness has yet to be confirmed. Much research continues in this area.
Publication Name: Proceedings of the IEEE
Subject: Electronics
ISSN: 0018-9219
Year: 1992
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Pseudospark switches for high repetition rates and high current applications
Article Abstract:
The pseudospark is a low-pressure gas discharge in a special geometry. The discharge has some noteworthy properties for high current and high voltage switching applications. The major effort of 1991 resulted in the development of a 'sealed-off' pseudospark switch for forthcoming high-power excimer lasers. Metal vapor lasers are also candidates for pseudospark-switch (PSS) applications. PSSs are gaining increasing importance in high-current devices such as plasma foci, fast pinches or powerful modulators. Current research in PSS is discussed.
Publication Name: Proceedings of the IEEE
Subject: Electronics
ISSN: 0018-9219
Year: 1992
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