[Transmyocardial laser revascularization: overview of clinical and experimental data]

Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) using carbon dioxide and Holmium YAG laser has been approved by FDA and is now under clinical evaluation in patients with refractory angina who are not candidate of CABG or PTCA. Original concept of TMLR was direct perfusion from left ventricle through channel created by laser. However, pathological analysis showed closed channel in almost all cases, and most possible mechanism of TMLR are now thought to be angiogenesis following to inflammatory response of laser injury. Most prospective randomized trial comparing TMLR and conservative medical treatment demonstrated significantly less angina in TMLR patients and better exercise tolerance and angina-free survival rate during follow-up period. On the other hand, no significant differences were demonstrated in overall mortality rate, myocardial perfusion or cardiac function.