Aspirin reduces platelet aggregation during high-energy excimer laser

Background and Objectives Excimer laser is used clinically in arterial revascularization procedures. This study evaluated the efficacy of aspirin in reducing platelet aggregation during high-energy excimer lasing. Study Design/Materials and Methods Platelet rich plasma (PRP) from seven rabbits was circulated in a dual organ chamber with aspirin added to one and the other was control. PRP was irradiated using an excimer laser (308 nm; 45 mJ/mm2; 25 Hz; 5 minutes) via a 2.0 mm laser catheter. Platelet aggregation (particle volume) was measured by laser-light scattering. Morphology was evaluated by phase contrast and electron microscopy. Results Baseline platelet volume was 3.4 µm3 for both control and aspirin groups. Following lasing, platelet volume peaked at 102.2 ± 18.5 µm3 for control compared to 43.1 ± 49.2 µm3 for aspirin-treated PRP (P