Left ventricular functional improvement after transmyocardial laser revascularization

Background. Transmyocardial laser revascularization has been used to treat patients with end-stage coronary artery disease that is not amenable to standard revascularization. Although there is evidence of angina relief and quality of life enhancement, there is little information concerning improvement in myocardial contractility. The purpose of this study was to determine whether transmyocardial laser revascularization improves myocardial function in chronically ischemic myocardium. Methods. In a model of chronic ischemia by Ameroid occlusion of the circumflex artery, domestic pigs (n = 8) were treated with transmyocardial laser revascularization. Before laser treatment, segmental contraction was assessed at rest and with dobutamine stress echocardiography. Myocardium subtended by the occlusion was compared with that remote from the occlusion. Six weeks after transmyocardial laser revascularization, the animals were restudied at rest and with stress, and then sacrificed. Sham-treated control animals (n = 4) underwent the same procedures but were not treated with transmyocardial laser revascularization. Control animals did not demonstrate significant recovery of function. Results. Transmyocardial laser revascularization improved resting function in chronically ischemic myocardium by 100%. Conclusions. Transmyocardial laser revascularization significantly improves the function of chronically ischemic myocardium. These data may help explain the mechanisms by which transmyocardial laser revascularization is clinically effective. (Ann Thorac Surg 1998;66:721-5) (C) 1998 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.