Special Tech for your Health Section
What Is the Spectranetics CVX-300 Excimer Laser System?
The CVX-300 is a laser system that emits ultraviolet light to break up hardened plaque from artery walls. The technology is designed to minimize damage to surrounding soft tissue and reduce complications during use.
When It’s Used
The CVX-300 is used during a minimally invasive surgical technique known as atherectomy, which removes fatty plaque from artery walls. When fatty plaque, known as atherosclerosis, builds up in the artery walls, it makes it more difficult for your blood to flow. Over time, this lack of blood flow can lead to peripheral artery disease, a common but dangerous condition.
Also known as PAD, peripheral artery disease can narrow leg, stomach, arm, and head arteries, though it most commonly affects arteries in the legs. It tends to cause cramping, pain, or tiredness in the lower legs, especially during physical activity.
Unfortunately, if left untreated, PAD can lead to total loss of circulation, causing gangrene and limb loss.
How It Works
With the CVX-300, your endovascular surgeon can remove plaque from artery walls using photoablation, or the use of light to break down, vaporize, and remove matter. The photoablation process, performed through a disposable catheter inserted near the damaged arteries, occurs in three parts:
Light Pulse
In this step, light is used to break apart bonds at the molecular level. The light pulse from the catheter is so quick, it’s not visible to the naked eye.
Sonic Wave
The sonic wave expands from the tip of the catheter in all directions and cracks the hard plaque material.
Vapor Bubble
A vapor bubble, created by the high-pressure sonic wave, helps break up the plaque into tiny particles to restore blood flow.
Benefits of the Spectranetics CVX-300 Excimer Laser System
The CVX-300 laser system provides a game-changing treatment alternative for peripheral artery disease. Because the laser emits ultraviolet light, which is not a hot light, it only affects whatever is directly in front of it. This means the chance for unwanted tears or damage to surrounding tissue during treatment is low.
