title: Holmium:YAG laser system for transmyocardial revascularization.
abstract: Transmyocardial revascularization, using the US FDA-approved holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser system, is a surgical option for patients with debilitating angina caused by diffuse coronary artery disease in areas of the heart not amenable to complete revascularization using conventional treatments. Increased utilization of this therapy is warranted, in parallel with continuing research into therapeutic or cell-based methods for enhancing the clinically relevant, positive outcomes. This article will review the clinical science surrounding Ho:YAG transmyocardial revascularization with an emphasis on the randomized controlled trials performed in these patient groups.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Indianapolis, IN 46290, USA. kallen2340@aol.com
authors.forename: Keith B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Allen
mesh_terms: D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D009204:Myocardial Revascularization / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical