The Heart Laser(TM): transmyocardial revascularization treatment of angina pectoris.

Transmyocardial revascularization with CO2 laser in patients with refractory angina pectoris. Clinical results from the Norwegian randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study was to evaluate clinical effects, exercise performance and effect on maximal oxygen consumption (MVO2) of transmyocardial revascularization with CO2-laser (TMR) in patients with refractory angina pectoris. BACKGROUND Transmyocardial laser revascularization is a new method to treat patients with refractory angina pectoris not eligible for conventional revasc...

Evidence of vascular growth associated with laser treatment of normal canine myocardium.

BACKGROUND Transmyocardial laser revascularization is a new therapy for patients with refractory angina. Although clinical studies suggest that transmyocardial laser revascularization decreases angina and may improve regional blood flow, the underlying mechanisms are not elucidated. We hypothesized that one mechanism may relate to stimulation of vascular growth in laser-treated regions. METHO...

NICE evaluation of transmyocardial laser revascularisation and percutaneous laser revascularisation for refractory angina.

Use of magnetic resonance imaging to assess myocardial perfusion after transmyocardial laser revascularization.

BACKGROUND Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) is an alternative treatment modality for patients with refractory angina who are not candidates for conventional surgical or percutaneous revascularization. Clinical studies of TMLR have not shown one-to-one correlation between increased myocardial perfusion and improved clinical status. METHODS Three patients (51, 53, and 70 years old...

The Heart LaserTM received final FDA approval to market in 1998 for the treatment of patients with stable class III or IV angina refractory

Transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) is performed via a thoracotomy, with the patient under general anesthesia. Cardiopulmonary bypass is not required. A laser probe is placed on the surface of the myocardium, and while the heart is in diastole, the laser is discharged to create a channel through the myocardium into the left ventricle. Less invasive approaches to TMR are also being studied. ...