Long- and short-term effects of transmyocardial laser revascularization in acute myocardial ischemia

Abstract

Background and Objective: This study examined the effect of transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) on infarct size and global and regional left ventricular (LV) function. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Acute ischemia was induced in 24 dogs by ligating the left anterior descending artery. TMLR was done through a left thoracotomy in 12 dogs. The 12 control dogs had ligation only. Global and regional LV function were measured before ligation, then at 6 hours or 3 months after ligation. We calculated the volumetric ratio of damaged myocardium to myocardium at risk (V(d)/V(r)). Results: At 6 hours, global compensation despite regional dyskinesia was universal; V(d)/V(r) was the same in control and TMLR dogs. At 3 months, global function during stress was significantly higher in TMLR dogs than in control dogs (P