Transmyocardial laser revascularization with the holmium:YAG laser: loss of symptomatic improvement after 2 years.

OBJECTIVE Whether transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) provides a long-term benefit in terms of relief of angina, improvement of exercise tolerance, left ventricular function, and myocardial perfusion. METHODS Forty-one patients underwent TMLR using a holmium:YAG-laser, 14 as TMLR alone (group A), 27 with additional aortocoronary bypass grafting (group B). Follow-up was obtained at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months in this prospective study. RESULTS In group A patients CCS-class improved up to 18 months postoperatively, after 24 and 36 months postoperatively there was absence of a positive effect of TMLR: the CCS-class decreased to 2.4 as compared to 3.5 preoperatively After combined CABG and TMLR (group B) there was a significant decrease in angina at all times. The CCS-functional class in these patients was 1.7 at 36 months as compared to 3.5 preoperatively. There was no significant change in exercise tolerance as compared to preoperatively. Left ventricular ejection fraction did not improve in either of the groups. Thallium scintigraphy indicated no improvement in myocardial perfusion in laser treated areas. The perioperative mortality was 0%, the late mortality rate was 36% in group A and 11% in group B. CONCLUSIONS In our experience, in the vast majority of patients who are subjected to TMLR alone the benefit of reduction or relief of angina and improvement in quality of life is only temporary. In addition there is no improvement in objective clinical parameters. We believe that TMLR should only be used in patients with severe angina refractory to medical treatment and requiring a symptomatic therapy.