C. R. Bard, Inc.

Michael G Dumont

Glenn S Baker

Michael Madden

Norman E Farr

An angioplasty system and method for identification and laser ablation of atherosclerotic plaque at a target site in a blood vessel includes fluorescence analysis for identification of noncalcified plaque and calcium photoemission analysis for identification of calcified plaque. Calcified plaque is identified by time domain analysis of calcium photoemission. A high energy pulsed ultraviolet laser can be used for stimulation of fluorescence and for stimulation of calcium photoemission. The system is capable of distinguishing between calcium photoemission and a defective condition of optical fibers that are used to deliver laser energy to the target site. In an another embodiment of the angioplasty system, calcium photoemission is identified during a nonablative initial portion of the laser ablation pulse. When calcium photoemission is not identified, the laser ablation pulse is terminated during the initial nonablative portion thereof.

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Stratham, NH, United States of America

Michael G Dumont