Transmyocardial laser revascularization: surgical experience overview

Transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) using holmium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (YAG) and carbon dioxide lasers has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of medically refractory angina in patients without conventional options. In prospective, randomized trials, patients who received TMR experienced improved angina, better-event free survival, and reduction in cardiac-related rehospitalizations when compared to patients remaining on medical therapy alone. In addition, TMR as an adjunct to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has resulted in improved clinical status for patients who would not be completely revascularized by CABG alone.