Myocardial revascularization by CO2 laser.

An original method of myocardial revascularization using CO2 laser has been studied in a pig model with acute myocardial infarction. Transparietal channels were created by myocardial vaporization, using a CO2 laser beam. A comparative evaluation was made against a control group using as parameters survival rate, ECG changes, anatomopathologic findings, and angiographic studies. With the exception of favorable changes in the ECG there was no other evidence of improved regional perfusion. No evidence of long-term patency of the transmyocardial channels could be demonstrated by angiographic and histologic studies.