Trimedyne Says Laser Has Won FDA Approval

Trimedyne Inc. said its medical laser system has been approved for domestic use by the Food and Drug Administration for treating atherosclerosis in the leg.

The system, already approved for use in several European countries, uses laser-generated heat for non-surgical removal of fatty deposits blocking leg arteries. Trimedyne hopes to eventually use similar devices for treating heart disease.

Santa Ana-based Trimedyne, a medical products company, recently received FDA approval to begin marketing a laser system for treatment of tumors and other conditions involving blockage of the gastrointestinal and urological systems.