Various methods and devices for treating a patient who has lost, or is at
risk of losing cardiac function by cardiac ischemia are disclosed.
Treatment includes first imaging a patient's heart, or a portion thereof,
to identify underperfused regions of cardiac muscle, and a source of
oxygenated blood that is proximate to the underperfused region. Between
the underperfused regions and the oxygenated blood source, a target area
is selected where thermal or mechanical injury is introduced, and
optionally reintroduced, to convert initial capillary blush, resulting
from the injury.
