TMR Laser Surgery
In 1994, Norton Audubon Heart Institute became one of the first centers to investigate the use of Transmyocardial Revascularization (TMR), for intractable angina. Since then, the hospital has become the leading center for TMR in the United States and the world, treating more patients than any other facility.
TMR is often the last hope for those who no longer have bypass surgery or angioplasty available as an option, and in whom all other attempts at treatment have failed. The procedure works by bringing blood to the outer walls of the heart through a channel created in the heart with a laser. The laser is fired through the ventricle wall when the heart is at rest and the ventricle is full of blood. When the laser reaches the blood in the ventricle the liquid absorbs the beam and prevents the laser from penetrating all the way through the heart. TMR is performed on a beating heart in less than one hour under general anesthesia. In comparison, traditional bypass surgery can take up to six hours to perform.
Dr. Allan M. Lansing, medical director of the Norton Audubon Heart Institute until his retirement in 2001, first brought this pioneering heart surgery to Louisville through a clinical trial. Today Dr. Sam F. Yared is continuing the innovative work and study of Dr. Lansing. In addition to sole TMR therapy, Dr. Yared performs combination TMR/CABG surgery when complete revascularization is available.
Norton Heart Care is a leading provider of heart care for people throughout Louisville and Southern Indiana. Focused on outcomes and quality, our highly skilled cardiologists and surgeons work side by side with experienced nurses to care for both adults and children. Heart disease comes in many forms, and Norton Heart Care offers a wide range of innovative treatment techniques in multiple locations - providing advanced, high-quality care close to home. For more information about Norton Heart Care, call (502) 629-1234.
This test or treatment is offered at these facilities:
