University of Wisconsin Cardiovascular Surgery: Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization

Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization

The goal of treatment for coronary artery disease is always to restore blood flow to the heart. Without oxygen-rich blood, the heart cannot survive. As blood flow to the heart decreases, patients often experience severe chest pain (known as angina). Reduced blood flow also leads to an increased risk of a heart attack.

Treatment options for coronary artery disease include medications; interventional cardiology procedures, such as angioplasty or stenting; or bypass surgery. However, for patients in whom these treatments are not possible or effective, UW Health now offers an innovative procedure called transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR).

The TMR procedure uses lasers to create small channels in the heart muscle. These channels help restore blood flow to the heart, which reduces the symptoms of coronary artery disease and offers relief from the pain of angina.