Craig Walker, MD, founder, president and medical director of Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), used the Philips Laser System Nexcimer on Oct. 28 to reopen blockages in the arteries. The case took place at the CIS Ambulatory Surgery Center in Gray, La. to treat peripheral artery disease in the legs.
This new laser system, in combination with the Turbo-Elite laser catheter, is the only laser atherectomy device for in-stent restenosis (proven with Level I clinical data*). Atherectomy is a procedure to remove plaque from an artery (blood vessel). The Nexcimer laser can be used in the treatment and reopening of vessels in both the coronary or peripheral arteries. It features Excimer laser technology—a 308 nanometer wavelength, ultraviolet laser, which has been used in more than 600,000 cases globally for the past 20 years.
The system is compact in size and volume with 360-degree movability, making it easy to position in any catheterization lab. It is powered by standard medical grade 110v/16 amp outlets, and features a touchscreen with guided workflows. The Turbo-Elite, Turbo-Power, ELCA, and Glidelight laser catheters can be utilized with this system.
“This new technology advances the use of laser atherectomy treatment for patients needing treatment of various lesion types,” explained Walker. “The system warms up in less than 30 seconds and requires low maintenance going forward, making this system the next big upgrade in enhancing the level of technology and care that we offer to our patients.”