To relieve chronic chest pain (Angina).

What is the surgery?

Transmyocardial Revascularization is a laser surgery that stimulates blood vessel growth, thereby decreasing chest pain due to inadequate oxygen supply reaching the heart muscle itself. TMR is usually performed in conjunction with Bypass Surgery (CABG) on individuals with blood deprived heart muscle. The surgeon may create 20 - 40 new channels, each 1 millimeter wide, in the muscular wall of the left ventricle using a laser. These new channels stimulate Angiogenesis, which is the natural growth of new blood vessels within the heart muscle.

Where is the surgery performed?

In the Operating Room (OR), under general anesthesia.

How long does this surgery take?

TMR usually takes 1 - 2 hours to perform if this is the sole procedure being done. It may only take minutes if being performed as part of a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) procedure.

For a referral to an Allen Hospital cardiologist, call (319)235-3944 or click here to go to the Heart Center physician listing.