Angiogenesis three months after clinical transmyocardial laser revascularization using an excimer laser.
OBJECTIVE
We present for the first time histologic findings 3 months after clinical transmyocardial laser revascularization using a XeCl excimer laser.


METHODS
Histology was performed on a patient who died from a noncardiac cause 3 months post-excimer TMLR.


RESULTS
In the treated myocardium, no patent channels were found but scars were seen with a linear distribution and in continuity with circumscribed small fibrotic endocardial and epicardial scars. The scars were highly vascularized by new vessels, ranging from small capillaries to large thin walled, and sometimes branching ectatic vessels. Sprouting of vessels into the adjacent myocardium was also observed.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that angiogenesis might play a role in the clinical improvement after TMLR.
van der Sloot
J A
JA
Department of Cardiology, Laser Center, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1100DE Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Huikeshoven
M
M
van der Wal
A C
AC
Tukkie
R
R
van Gemert
M J
MJ
van der Meulen
J
J
Beek
J F
JF
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002712:Chlorides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D009204:Myocardial Revascularization; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014978:Xenon / Q000627:therapeutic use
D002712:Chlorides; D014978:Xenon; C048006:xenon chloride