Trimedyne Receives Permission to Sell Medical Lasers in Japan

IRVINE — After a two-year clinical trial, Trimedyne Inc., a manufacturer of surgical lasers, said Friday that it has received approval from health authorities in Japan to sell lasers and related equipment in that country.

The “thermal” laser is used by doctors to cut through plaque and other blockages in arteries in the lower body, said Marvin P. Loeb, Trimedyne’s chairman.

Trimedyne already has approvals by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare to sell lasers that are used for heart surgery. The cardiovascular, or “cold,” laser differs from the thermal laser in that it does not generate heat. The thermal laser is effective in most surgeries but is not used for cardiovascular operations because of dangers to the heart.