PTMR

Posted by Cindy Robertson on May 08, 1999 at 21:12:15
I need info on PTMR. How long has this experimental procedure been being performed? What are pros and cons on this? I would like to communicate with anyone who has had this done. Are these tunnels lasered from inside the heart or from the outside  in. I would appreciate any info you have on this subject. What are sucess rates??? ect.... Thank you!!!

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on May 10, 1999 at 10:06:36

Dear Posted by Cindy Robertson on May 08, 1999 at 21:12:15
I need info on PTMR. How long has this experimental procedure been being performed? What are pros and cons on this? I would like to communicate with anyone who has had this done. Are these tunnels lasered from inside the heart or from the outside in. I would appreciate any info you have on this subject. What are sucess rates??? ect.... Thank you!!!
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  you or someone you know 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.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.