Dr. Craig Wallker is First in U.S. to Use New Philips Laser System, Nexcimer

October 28, 2021, Houma, Louisiana —Craig Walker, MD, Founder, President and Medical Director of Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), is the first physician in the U.S. to use the Philips Laser System Nexcimer to reopen blockages in the arteries. The first case took place on October 28 at the CIS Ambulatory Surgery Center in Gray, Louisiana to treat peripheral artery disease in the legs.

This new laser system, in combination with the Turbo-Elite laser catheter, is the only laser atherectomy device for in-stent restenosis (proven with Level I clinical data*).  Atherectomy is a procedure to remove plaque from an artery (blood vessel). The Nexcimer laser can be used in the treatment and reopening of vessels in both the coronary or peripheral arteries. It features Excimer laser technology—a 308 nanometer wavelength, ultraviolet laser, which has been used in more than 600,000 cases globally for the past 20 years.  This technology is also the only laser technology approved for lead removal, and it includes adjustable settings to optimize the treatment needed on each lesion.

The system is compact in size and volume with 360-degree movability, making it easy to position in any catheterization lab. It is powered by standard medical grade 110v/16 amp outlets, and features a touchscreen with guided workflows. The Turbo-Elite, Turbo-Power, ELCA and Glidelight laser catheters can be utilized with this system.

“This new technology advances the use of laser atherectomy treatment for patients needing treatment of various lesion types,” explained Dr. Walker. “The system warms up in less than 30 seconds and requires low maintenance going forward, making this system the next big upgrade in enhancing the level of technology and care that we offer to our patients.”

To learn more about CIS or its Ambulatory Surgery Center in Gray, visit www.cardio.com.

About Cardiovascular Institute of the South

Founded by Dr. Craig Walker in 1983, Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) is a world-leader in preventing, detecting and treating cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. CIS offers a comprehensive heart and vascular program with expert physicians trained in many specialties, including internal medicine, nuclear cardiology, electrophysiology, lipid management, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, valve disease and interventional cardiovascular procedures. CIS has earned international acclaim as a pioneer of research, development and education, as well as an innovator in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. With a dedicated team of more than 1,075 team members, CIS provides comprehensive cardiovascular care at 22 locations across Louisiana and Mississippi, with 10 telemedicine programs. CIS remains at the forefront of technology, providing the highest-quality, compassionate care. This mission has guided the institute for more than 38 years of excellence. For more information about CIS, call 1-800-425-2565 or visit www.cardio.com.

*Randomized controlled study of excimer laser atherectomy for treatment of femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis: initial results from the EXCITE ISR trial (EXCIMER Laser Randomized Controlled Study for Treatment of FemoropopliTEal In-Stent Restenosis). JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2015 Jan;8(1 Pt A):92-101. doi: 10.1016/j.jcin.2014.09.009. Epub 2014 Dec 10.