Background and objective: We present for the first time histologic findings 3 months after clinical transmyocardial laser revascularization using a XeCl excimer laser.
Study design/materials and 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.
Conclusion: These results suggest that angiogenesis might play a role in the clinical improvement after TMLR.
Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.