Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Mar 2000
[Percutaneous myocardial laser revascularization. A new therapy technique for patients with coronary disease and severe angina pectoris without conventional therapy options].
In patients with intractable angina because of end-stage coronary artery disease, transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) leads to improvement of angina pectoris and increased exercise capacity. However, surgical thoracotomy is required for TMR with considerable morbidity and mortality. Therefore, a catheter-based laser system has been developed which allows to create laser channels into the myocardium from the left ventricular cavity. ⋯ PMR is a new safe and feasible therapeutic option in patients with refractory angina pectoris due to end-stage coronary artery disease. Initial results show significant improvement of clinical symptoms and an increased exercise capacity but thallium scintigraphy failed to show improved perfusion after PMR.