A novel method to determine and control power delivered during laser angioplasty

For accurate measurements the in-line powermeter (ILP) described requires standardising against a bolometer each and every time it is used, since the registered power varies with each fibre placement. However, fibre alignment may be accomplished using the ILP alone. The combination of the laser output powermeter (LOP) and the ILP provides accurate and inexpensive control of laser power during angioplasty. Both dye degradation and damage to the proximal end of delivery devices may be identified. The power delivered can thus be accurately controlled without removing the delivery device from the patient, thereby improving safety and efficiency