In vivo canine coronary artery laser irradiation: photodynamic therapy using dihematoporphyrin ether and 632 nm laser. A safety and dose-response relationship study.

This study examined the safety and dose-response relationships of 632-nm laser irradiation of photosensitized normal coronary arteries in 27 dogs. Fifteen received 2.5 mg/kg dihematoporphyrin ether (DHE), seven received no sensitizer, and five had coronary instrumentation but no laser (sham laser procedures) at nine coronary sites--four sensitized, five non-sensitized.