Excimer Laser System (LAS-100)

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of medical technology, Apollo Hospitals has taken a bold leap forward by introducing Philips’ Nexcimer Laser System (LAS-100) — a game-changing advancement in cardiovascular and lead management therapies. Using the power of cool ultraviolet light, this laser system photoablates complex lesions in blood vessels and extracts cardiac leads with unprecedented precision and safety.

Minimally invasive yet maximally impactful, this technology enables Apollo’s interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists to treat what was once deemed unmanageable — chronic total occlusions, in-stent restenosis, calcified plaques, and even embedded pacemaker or defibrillator leads.

What is the Excimer Laser System (LAS-100)?

The Philips Nexcimer Laser System is a Class IV medical-grade laser that emits pulses of 308 nm ultraviolet light. Unlike traditional thermal lasers, the excimer laser doesn’t burn tissue. Instead, it breaks molecular bonds through a process called “photoablation”, making it ideal for delicate vascular and lead extraction procedures.

At Apollo, this laser is now empowering specialists to:

• Open up blocked coronary and peripheral vessels
• Address complex restenosis cases inside previously placed stents
• Remove implanted cardiac leads with less trauma and greater control

Why This Matters

Faster, Safer, Simpler Procedures

• 30-second system readiness
• Touchscreen-guided workflow
• Compact design that fits seamlessly into cath labs and hybrid operating theatres

Greater Clinical Versatility

• 7 different coronary indications
• Proven results in peripheral in-stent restenosis
• Only laser system FDA-approved for lead extraction

Backed by 20+ Years of Evidence

• Over 600,000 successful procedures worldwide
• Supported by Level I clinical data

Clinical Applications at Apollo Hospitals

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

When conventional stenting or balloon angioplasty fails, laser atherectomy can clear the blockage.

Ideal for treating:

• In-stent restenosis (ISR)
• Long, complex or calcified lesions
• Occluded saphenous vein grafts (SVG)
• Failed PTCA sites

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

For patients with non-healing wounds, critical limb ischemia, or leg pain while walking, peripheral laser atherectomy clears arterial blockages with:

• Minimal thermal damage
• Superior plaque removal even in thrombotic or fibrotic lesions

Pacemaker & ICD Lead Removal

In patients with device infections or lead malfunctions, laser-assisted extraction:

• Reduces force needed to detach leads
• Minimizes risk of tearing vessels or heart tissue
• Provides precise control even in densely fibrosed tissues

How It Works: The Science of “Cold” Light

Unlike traditional lasers, the excimer laser operates at ultraviolet wavelengths that do not generate heat. Instead, its energy is absorbed directly by molecular bonds, vaporizing the tissue without collateral damage.

This is crucial in:

• Delicate vascular walls, where thermal damage can cause rupture
• Calcified or fibrotic tissues, which are resistant to balloons and stents
• Lead extractions, where fibrous adhesions anchor the lead tightly

Safety First: Built-in Protections and Training

Apollo Hospitals ensures every laser procedure is:

• Conducted in a controlled-access laser room
• Performed by trained and certified professionals
• Supported by safety eyewear and protocols for all staff and patients

Why Choose Apollo for Laser-Assisted Interventions?

• India’s first movers in adopting next-gen vascular laser technology
• Multidisciplinary teams of cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and electrophysiologists
• 24x7 Cath Labs equipped with Philips LAS-100 systems
• Personalized care with minimal downtime and fast recovery

What’s Next in Laser-Driven Interventions?

As Apollo continues its commitment to cutting-edge care, laser technology like the Nexcimer system will find broader applications:

• Complex CTO revascularizations
• Enhanced limb salvage rates in PAD
• Safer lead management in aging cardiac device patients

With technology and empathy hand-in-hand, Apollo is not just treating conditions — it’s transforming outcomes.

Conclusion

With the Philips Nexcimer Laser System, Apollo Hospitals is pioneering a new era in interventional cardiology and vascular surgery. Whether it’s reclaiming a blocked artery, extracting a stubborn lead, or preventing an amputation — Apollo is lighting the way to faster, safer healing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is laser treatment painful or risky?

No. Laser-assisted procedures are minimally invasive and pain-managed. The excimer laser uses cool light, avoiding heat damage. At Apollo, patient safety is ensured with advanced protocols and trained experts.

2. How long does a laser-assisted vascular procedure take?

The actual laser usage lasts just a few minutes, though the entire procedure can take about 30 to 90 minutes depending on complexity. The system itself is ready to use within 30 seconds.

3. What conditions can this laser treat that traditional stents or balloons can't?

It is especially useful in:

• In-stent restenosis
• Heavily calcified lesions
• Totally blocked arteries where wires can pass but not stents
• Stuck or aged cardiac leads

4. Is this technology new?

The excimer laser has been in use for over 20 years globally with more than 600,000 procedures performed. Apollo is among the few Indian hospitals offering it with expert handling.

5. Who is eligible for this treatment?

Patients with:

• Blocked coronary or peripheral arteries unresponsive to conventional methods
• Restenosis after stenting
• Infected or non-functional pacemaker/ICD leads
  Your treating doctor will decide suitability after clinical evaluation.

6. How soon can I go home after the procedure?

Most patients are discharged within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the procedure and recovery. Apollo ensures a short hospital stay with excellent post-op care.