Can you use the Spectranetics Excimer Laser if the artery has contrast in it?

• A. No, it will hurt the patient
• B. Yes, it is safe with contrast
• C. It can be used with any contrast
• D. Only if contrast is nonionic

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the excimer laser relies on delivering energy to a clear, fluid-free field to control where ablation happens. The lumen is typically flushed with saline to displace blood because blood absorbs the UV energy and can blunt or misdirect the laser, risking ineffective treatment or injury. If contrast medium remains in the artery, it alters the optical and thermal environment and can absorb or scatter energy in unpredictable ways, potentially causing local overheating, gas formation, or vessel wall injury. For safety, you would not activate the laser while contrast is present; first clear the field with saline so the laser can ablate tissue under well-controlled conditions.