Transmyocardial Revascularization

Transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) is a very successful procedure that Inova cardiac surgeons use to relieve severe cases of angina or chest pain.

During TMR, your surgeon uses a laser to “drill” a series of holes or pathways through the heart into the heart's pumping chamber. These channels allow blood to flow more freely to the heart muscle and may greatly diminish the pain and discomfort of angina.

TMR provides significant to complete relief in more than 80 percent of patients who undergo the procedure. Prior to TMR, many of these individuals were unable to carry out the basics of day-to-day living because of severe discomfort.

Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization TMR close-up

TMR is not a replacement for coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty, but is an excellent option for:

High-risk candidates facing a second bypass or angioplasty
Individuals whose blockages are too numerous and diffused to be treated with bypass alone
Patients with heart transplants who develop atherosclerosis after their transplant