Selective tissue ablation using laser radiation at 355 nm in lead extraction by a hybrid catheter; a preliminary report.

Background: Current lead extraction (LE) devices can harm the blood vessel endothelium, increasing the risk of perforation.

Objective: Proof of concept for using a solid-state pulsed laser at 355 nm with a hybrid catheter in LE.

Methods: A hybrid catheter was used comprising optical fibers for the delivery of 355 nm laser pulses at 30 Hz and 6 J/cm(2) combined with a blunt mechanical blade.