Transmyocardial Revascularization 
Transmyocardial Revascularization (TMR) is a safe and effective therapy used in the treatment of chronic stable angina that provides relief of severe chest pain secondary to ischemic heart disease also known as angina pectoris, or simply, angina.
When performing TMR with a low powered Holmium:YAG laser, a qualified cardiac surgeon delivers a precise laser therapy directly to the target area(s) of the heart muscle. When performed as a primary therapy, it is done through a small incision between the ribs (thoracotomy) with the patient under general anesthesia. Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) can also be performed as a secondary procedure in patients that have ischemic heart disease with areas of the heart that cannot be bypassed. The precise laser therapy is delivered to create small channels into the heart chamber. During a typical procedure, approximately 10 –150 channels are made in each targeted region of the heart muscle.
The channels in the heart muscle seal over almost immediately with little blood loss while the new channels allow fresh blood to perfuse the heart wall immediately. According to research and clinical studies, these channels promote microvascular growth over time. That, in turn, is believed to provide damaged heart tissue with a better supply of blood and oxygen. Chronic stable angina symptoms, including chest pain, usually subsides over time in the majority of patients treated with this type of laser transmyocardial revascularization.
TMR May Benefit You
- TMR may benefit you if there is an area of your heart that is not receiving enough oxygen and your disease cannot be treated by balloon angioplasty or bypass surgery.
- TMR is a proven effective treatment for chronic stable angina with the ability to improve the quality of life in patients with ischemic heart disease.
- Angina treatment with TMR may help you return to a more active lifestyle.
- Treatment of chronic stable angina with TMR may also reduce the need for some of the medications you are currently taking to manage your angina symptoms, including, chest pain.