Laser radiation has been successfully applied in several areas of medical practice. However, its use in cardiology and specifically its effects on obstructive atherosclerosis have largely been unexplored. To evaluate effects of laser radiation on atherosclerotic plaques 25 fresh necropsy atherosclerotic coronary artery segments were exposed to laser radiation with either a carbon dioxide, Nd-YAG, or argon laser. Split or intact segments were prepared under dry conditions or while immersed in saline solution or blood and exposed to laser radiation as power and duration of exposure varied. All 3 lasers were capable of creating controlled injury to atherosclerotic plaques. In general, the magnitude of injury varied according to the total energy delivered (that is, power times duration of exposure. Calcified and noncalcified plaques were penetrated with similar levels of injury. Histologic examination demonstrated that laser radiation produced a wedge incision in the atherosclerotic plaque which was surrounded by zones of thermal and acoustic injury.