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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
PTMR
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
PTMR
by Joanne, Dec 28, 1999 12:00AM
I have a friend who has recently had a MI. He apparently had one 15 years ago that had caused some damage then. Now, after having a coronary angiogram he was told that there is nothing more that can be done. His ejection fraction was 16% and he has total blockage in 2 arteries. He has been told that he can be treated by medication only. This man is 62 years old and is otherwise in good health...still working, etc. I have heard about a procedure called PTMR or even TMP. We were wondering if he might be a candate for this procedure or if his EF is too low for that. Could you give me any information on this or what options he might have. They did tell him that a transplant would help him.
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, MD, Dec 28, 1999 12:00AM
, Dec 28, 1999 12:00AM
PTMR (Percutaneous transmyocardial revascularization) is an experimental procedure using laser to treat coronary artery disease. It is only used when the disease is not amenable to conventional methods of treatment. The concept is based on the alligator heart which has no coronary arteries but only small channels from the inside of the heart to the heart wall. Basically a laser is used to "drill" a tiny channel through the wall of the heart allowing blood to flow to ischemic areas.
The laser can be introduced during open heart surgery or through a tiny tube inserted through the leg. If he is interested in participating in an ongoing study of PTMR here at the Cleveland Clinic please call the number below and ask for Marsha Lowery at extension 40052.
The laser can be introduced during open heart surgery or through a tiny tube inserted through the leg. If he is interested in participating in an ongoing study of PTMR here at the Cleveland Clinic please call the number below and ask for Marsha Lowery at extension 40052.
