TRANSMYOCARDIAL REVASCULARIZATION

Transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) is a puncture technique propos ed as a solution for patients with coronary artery disease who cannot be efficiently treated with the standard revascularization procedures such as bypass surgery or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplas ty (PTCA). The studies presented in this review have investigated the use of lasers to revascularize ischaemic myocardium. Needle puncture m ethods are also briefly described. The results from experimental studi es are not conclusive but the encouraging clinical reports raise furth er questions about the mechanism of angina relief.