Endoluminal phototherapy for prevention of restenosis: Preliminary results at 6-month follow-up

Objective: The objective of this observational study was to investigate safety and efficacy of laser phototherapy (LPh) in prevention of restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background data: Laser irradiation is known to cause a limitation of the local inflammatory cascade and a stimulation of proliferation of specific cells. Based on the results of previous experiments proving the beneficial effects of laser light on the activity of vascular and inflammatory cells, we attempted to use these properties to prevent restenosis. Methods: Laser phototherapy was performed in 41 patients after stent implantation or balloon angioplasty. Illumination power of 100 mW and energy dose equal to 9 J/cm(2) was used. Patients were monitored for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after 30 days and 6 months. At 6 months, angiography as a control was performed to assess the influence of LPh on restenosis rate. Results: Angiographic follow-up (n=30) revealed restenosis in 9% and 25% of patients after stent implantation and balloon angioplasty, respectively. The MACE rate was 4.5% and 12.5% in stent and balloon-treated patients, respectively. Conclusions: Laser phototherapy gives very promising results in restenosis prevention, especially after stent implantation. The treatment method is safe, with a low rate of MACE in follow-up.