Transmyocardial laser revascularisation (TMLR) is used to treat patients with refractory angina due to severe coronary artery disease, not suitable for conventional revascularisation. We aimed in a randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of TMLR compared with medical management.

188 patients with refractory angina were randomly assigned TMLR plus normal medication or medical management alone. At 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery (TMLR) or initial assessment (medical management) we assessed exercise capacity with the treadmill test and the 12 min walk.

Mean treadmill exercise time, adjusted for baseline values, was 40 s (95% CI-15 to 94) longer in the TMLR group than in the medical-management group at 12 months (p=0·152). Mean 12 min walk distance was 33 m (-7 to 74) further in TMLR patients than medical-management patients (p=0·108) at 12 months. The differences were not significant or clinically important. Perioperative mortality was 5%. Survival at 12 months was 89% (83-96) in the TMLR group and 96% (92-100) in the medical-management group (p=0·14). Canadian Cardiovascular Society score for angina had decreased by at least two classes in 25% of TMLR and 4% of medical-management patients at 12 months (p<0·001).

Our findings show that the adoption of TMLR cannot be advocated. Further research may be appropriate to assess any potential benefit for sicker patients.