The Spectranetics Excimer Laser is indicated for which lesions?

• A. For 20 mm lesions and CTO
• B. For small vessel disease in the tibial arteries
• C. For carotid stenosis
• D. For venous clots

Answer: (A)

Excimer laser energy works by photochemical ablation, breaking molecular bonds in plaque with minimal thermal injury. This makes it particularly useful for resistant, fibrotic or thrombotic tissue and, importantly, for crossing and modifying chronic total occlusions. Because of its ability to effectively debulk and modify longer lesions, it is indicated for lesions around 20 mm in length and for CTOs where conventional balloon therapy may fail to cross or adequately prepare the segment. It isn’t typically used for small vessel disease in tibial arteries, carotid stenosis, or venous clots, which is why the description of a 20 mm lesion with CTO best matches the intended use.