Initial Clinical Trails
The initial clinical trials began in 1984 at St.
Luke's Medical Center. A group of carefully
selected patients participated in the early study.
In this Phase I program, those undergoing the
laser procedure also had conventional bypass
surgery at the same time. The laser channels
were created in an area of the heart that had severe
coronary artery disease with undamaged myocardial
tissue, but in an area that was not suitable for a bypass
graft. The results of these early trials were promising
and have been reported in the medical literature.
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When a coronary artery becomes blocked, blood supply to the myocardium is reduced. This results in the pain known as angina. Prolonged or severe reduction of blood flow can damage the muscle, resulting in a heart attack. |
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At this time the combination procedure is appropriate
when the patient is a candidate for bypass surgery but
(1) there is severe disease of the small vessels, (2) there
are areas of disease not suitable to place a bypass graft,
or (3) in the judgment of the surgeon, the laser channels
offer additional protection.
Heart and Lung Institute
N124 W16862 Lovers Lane
Germantown, WI 53022
heartlung@globaldialog.com
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