Affiliation:
1. Section of Interventional Cardiology MedStar Washington Hospital Center Washington District of Columbia USA
2. Department of Cardiology MedStar Washington Hospital Center Washington District of Columbia USA
3. Georgetown University School of Medicine Washington District of Columbia USA
4. Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland USA
Abstract
AbstractThe advent of excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA) nearly four decades ago heralded a novel way to treat complex lesions, both coronary and peripheral, which were previously untraversable and thus untreatable. These complex lesions include heavily calcified lesions, ostial lesions, bifurcation lesions, chronic total occlusions, in‐stent restenosis (including stent underexpansion), and degenerative saphenous vein grafts. We discuss the technology of ELCA, its indications, applications, and complications, and suggest the “MAXCon ELCA” technique for better outcomes without increased risk. Lastly, we present a case of MAXCon ELCA effectively treating a complex lesion.