Eclipse Lazer surgery in Detroit

Posted By  CCF Cardio MD-SGM on September 15, 1997 at 18:30:22:

In Reply to: Eclipse Lazer surgery in Detroit posted by Jon on September 12, 1997 at 23:26:38:

: Hi. I just received word of a new (unapproved) cardiac surgery using the Eclipse Lazer (?) which is inserted and used through a catheter threaded through the patient's blood vessels. It was performed in Detroit via "special compassionate approval" by the FDA on a waitress with an unusual set of cardiac problems. The surgery was apparently successful and has previously been used (the article says -- it's a Canadian article) in both Argentina and Italy. Is this the "roto-rooter" surgery anticipated for some time from Europe? Any info appreciated, including sources I can search or e-mail for further information. Jon..

[CCF Cardio MD-SGM]

Dear Jon,
Transmyocardial Revascularization Surgery, or TMR, represents a novel attempt to supply the ischemic(oxygen-deprived) heart muscle with life-sustaining blood.  Patients who are candidates for this new technique typically have coronary artery disease that is too advanced to allow for the more traditional bypass grafting to be done.  In TMR, a chest incision is performed and a laser is utilized to place very small channels though the heart muscle, theoretically allowing better blood flow in that area.  Patients seem to have less ischemia following the procedure, possibly as a result of new blood vessel growth following the procedure.  
You may have been reading about catheter-based transmyocardial revascularization