Clinical Trials NCT00244660.

Aim-To analyse the arteriolar pattern of laser induced channels and their surroundings compared with mechanical and ischaemic injury. Methods-24 pigs were randomised to a myocardial infarction group, a transmyocardial laser revascularisation group, a needle group, or a control group. In the laser revascularisation and needle groups, five channels were created either with a 1.75 mm probe holmium-YAG laser or a Tru-cut needle of the same size. Animals were killed 28 days later. ; p = 0.6 and p = 0.4, respectively). The mean arteriolar diameter was similar throughout all the regions analysed. Conclusions-Both laser and needle channels produce a similar increase in arteriolar structures, which is limited to the lesion itself. This suggests that laser injury is not more potent as an angiogenic stimulator than mechanical injury, which in turn is superior to infarction. (Heart 2001;85:697-701)