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New Laser Surgical Procedure First Performed Today at Heart Hospital of New Mexico

1/18/2001 - Albuquerque, New Mexico: A patient at the Heart Hospital of New Mexico was the first in the state to successfully undergo a breakthrough laser surgery procedure today. The procedure, Transmyocardial Revascularization surgery (TMR), is a new therapy utilized to improve blood flow and relieve severe chest pain that can restrict a patient's quality of life.

Through the use of a specially-designed CO2 laser system, the heart surgeon creates new bloodlines in areas of the heart that were previously not receiving adequate blood flow. The procedure is termed "minimally invasive," meaning that it requires only a small incision in the chest, and does not require the use of a heart-lung bypass machine. This significantly reduces post-operational recovery time and decreases the overall risk to the patient.

Dr. Paul Levy, a cardiothoracic surgeon with the New Mexico Heart Institute, performed the surgery at the Heart Hospital. Dr. Levy was a cardiothoracic surgeon with Toledo Heart Surgeons prior to joining New Mexico Heart Institute, and has performed over 50 TMR procedures. The patient, Robert Williams, 46, from Lemitar, New Mexico, has been unable to work due to chronic chest pain. Said Dr. Levy, "Mr. Williams is a perfect candidate for this procedure. Rather than continue to utilize medication alone with less than satisfactory results, this treatment will allow Mr. Williams to return to work and a normal life without pain."

The Heart Hospital of New Mexico recently acquired the new laser technology, and is currently the only facility in the state where the TMR procedure is available. The Heart Hospital of New Mexico, located in Albuquerque, is a 55-bed inpatient facility entirely dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

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