The potential problem of rethrombosis after laser recanalization was studied in 16 thrombus-occluded canine femoral arteries. Balloon de-endothelialization and thrombin-human blood injection produced adherent, completely occlusive thrombi 4.13 +/- 1.54 cm in length; laser exposure of the thrombi occurred at 18.35 +/- 22.1 hours. The argon laser catheter was introduced via a proximal arteriotomy and a power of 3.83 +/- 0.58 W delivered for 411.3 +/- 296.87 seconds. Follow-up period was 14 days. All arteries were patent immediately after and 14 days following lasing, as demonstrated by angiography. There was no vessel perforation. Seven of the dogs were maintained on aspirin and dipyridamole 4 days before and throughout the study, but there were no differences in thrombus length, laser power, or duration of laser exposure between these dogs and those receiving no anti-platelet therapy. Control thrombosed arteries (without laser energy application) showed no autolysis within 14 days in all dogs and up to 95 days in three dogs followed for this period of time. These data show that rethrombosis of totally occluded, thrombosed arteries is not present up to 2 weeks later after laser recanalization, with or without the aid of anti-platelet therapy.