A new type of heart surgery using a laser is now being performed in Iowa. It’s called T-M-R or transmyocardial revascularization. A laser is used to burn between 15 and 30 tiny holes in the heart muscle. Dr. Robert Zeff, a cardiac surgeon at the Iowa Heart Center, says the holes close up right away. Dr. Zeff has performed T-M-R twice now in Des Moines, which he says eases the pain of people with severe angina.not even the experts are certain.Dr. Zeff says the procedure is reserved for patients who’ve exhausted all other treatment options. It’s belived the holes promote the growth of new blood vessels, but
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