¿¿Since the introduction of laser devices to the medical sciences this technology has created great interest. Specifically, the laser's unique physical properties and precise bio-tissue interactions render this versatile source of biologic energy an attractive tool for multiple therapeutic purposes in cardiovascular medicine. 



Over the course of the last 2 decades the utilization of laser technology has become an important component for the management of patients with complex cardiovascular diseases. During this time period, cutting edge laser technology including a variety of wave length generators,

newly designed catheters, and a selection of advanced optic fibers

have been introduced and applied in the cardiovascular circulation.

Improved lasing techniques in the cardiac catheterization suites and operation rooms have been implemented for treatment of ischemic coronary syndromes, peripheral arterial occlusive disease and other atherosclerotic thrombotic conditions. Moreover, during this 20 year time frame, several multicenter and single center clinical studies have been published focusing on the role and utilization of lasers in coronary and peripheral revascularization. And within the rapidly expanding field of interventional cardiac electrophysiology, laser technology has recently revolutionized the management of  fractured, abandoned and malfunctioning leads of cardiac pacemakers and automatic defibrillators. Consequently, replacing a notoriously cumbersome and high risk open heart  surgery with safe and markedly efficient percutaneous laser based extraction.



This textbook will provide the most authoritative, comprehensive and

contemporary information covering technological progress, clinical experience and pertinent aspects of laser applications in cardiovascular medicine. It will be of interest to cardiologists, vascular

surgeons and interventional radiologist as well as medical students, scientists, biomedical engineering students and graduates.¿

Preface.- Laser physics and laser sources for cardiovascular applications.- Optic fibers and mechanical properties of laser catheters.- Landmarks along the introduction of laser to cardiovascular therapy.- Laser-thrombus interaction: from basic research to clinical utilization in the management of cardiovascular diseases.- Laser for treatment of acute coronary syndromes.- Laser for management of ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction.- Laser for revascularization of complex targets: old SVGs, CTO, left main disease, stent restenosis.- Laser utilization for synergistic technology strategy for coronary revascularization: laser and directional rotablation; laser combined with drug eluting balloon.- Laser for revascularization of  peripheral arterial disease- SFA, renal, subclavian, carotid arteries.- Laser for infra-popliteal revasculariztion.- TMR- physiology, pathology and basic research concepts.- TMR-endovascular and surgical techniques and clinical outcomes.- Laser application for venous thrombosis.- Laser for IVC filter removal.- Laser for interventional electrophysiology - extraction and removal of pacemaker and AICD leads.- Laser for treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.- Laser application for treatment of congenital heart disease.- Nursing perspectives of cardiovascular laser procedures.- Laser safety in the cardiovascular suite and  the operation room.- Laser induced cardiovascular complications : mechanisms, recognition and management.- Laser in cardiovascular veterinary medicine.