Transmyocardial laser revascularization. An innovative myocardial revascularization procedure

Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) uses a 1000 watt power carbon dioxide laser, firing from the epicardium into the ischemic myocardium of the left ventricle to create channels that allow direct perfusion of the myocardium by oxygenated ventricular blood. In the past three years, clinical trials in the United States has shown that this procedure is safe (operative mortality 3%) and effective in relieving angina (75% 12 months after surgery improved at least 2 angina class) and improving myocardial perfusion in the treatment of symptomatic coronary artery disease refractory to conventional revascularization procedures and to maximal medical therapy.