Jefferson Launches Clinical Trial Of Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization (TMLR)

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital is participating in a multicenter, FDA approved, randomized, phase II clinical trial of transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR), a new procedure that offers hope for patients with refractory angina who are not candidates for traditional revascularization approaches.

TMLR is accomplished using a Holmium-YAG laser to create full thickness 1-mm channels in regions of ischemic myocardium. This is performed via an incision into the chest wall without cardiopulmonary bypass. The channels promote blood flow from the ventricular cavity, which stimulates the development of blood vessels.

"Patients who have undergone TMLR experience dramatic relief of anginal symptoms, improved exercise tolerance and decreased hospital admissions for angina," explains Thomas Carter, MD, principal investigator and Assistant Professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Ideal candidates for TMLR are patients with Canadian Class III or IV angina on maximum medical therapy who are not candidates for CABG or PTCA.