
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 28, 1990                   TAG: 9003280502
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A/3   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: MIAMI BEACH, FLA.                                LENGTH: Short

DOCTORS WARN OF USE OF LASERS ON ARTERIES

A "Star Wars" medical mentality has bolstered the use of lasers to unclog blocked arteries, but other methods appear to be more effective and less costly, radiologists said.

Doctors meeting here Tuesday for the Society of Cardiovascular and Intervention Radiology conference also said studies show the laser method increases the chances of patient complications.

Several papers were submitted comparing lasers to the more common balloon angioplasty, in which plastic balloons are pushed through an artery to clear obstruction.

The papers showed "lasers actually have results that are somewhat poorer" than the balloons when used in partially clogged arteries, said Dr. Arina van Breda, an associate professor of radiology at George Washington University in Washington.

The doctors said there are some situations in which lasers should be used - chiefly when the blood vessel is completely blocked, preventing the insertion of a balloon. But they said lasers should be used only for backup.

-Associated Press

by CNB