Transmyocardial Revascularization (TMR)

Severe angina can be disabling and in some cases not well controlled with medication and is not amenable to traditional bypass surgery. Summa surgeons offer a procedure called transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) for patients who have medically refractory angina when no other alternative medical treatment is available.

FDA approved for the treatment of severe angina, TMR is a safe, effective treatment that can help improve a patient’s quality of life. Clinical results show benefits in more than 75% of patients treated, with benefits lasting more than 5 years.

How is TMR performed?

The Summa cardiac surgeon delivers precise, low-powered laser energy to targeted areas of the heart muscle through a small incision between the ribs while the patient is under general anesthesia. TMR can also be used during bypass surgery to treat diseased areas of the heart that cannot be bypassed.

The procedure increases the blood flow to the heart muscle, stimulating the growth of new small blood vessels within the heart muscle and reducing the patient’s pain by impairing the nerves.

Other benefits from the procedure include:

• Reduced angina pain and improved quality of life for patients with coronary artery disease
• Possible reduction of some medications to manage angina pain
• An option for patients who may not be eligible for balloon angioplasty or bypass surgery

For more information or the name of a Summa cardiologist, call 330.375.3000.

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