The production of short-lived free radicals accompanying laser photoablation of cardiovascular tissue

Using the method of spin trapping and electron paramagnetic resonance, free radicals have been detected accompanying laser ablation of cardiovascular tissue. Radicals were detected using both visible and ultraviolet laser energy from argon-ion and excimer laser sources. The results are discussed in terms of the relative efficiency of the laser wavelengths to produce free radicals and a comparison of the types of radicals produced by the action of pulsed versus cw laser energy.