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.
