The effectiveness of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) in patients suffering from chronic refractory angina previously treated with transmyocardial laser revascularisation

Abstract

Despite advances in surgical and interventional cardiology, up to a third of the patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease are not suitable for or cannot be fully revascularised [1,2]. These patients have poor quality of life and high morbidity and mortality [1,3–5]. The management of these patients with chronic refractory angina is challenging, but there is no consensus in major guidelines to address their unmet needs [2]. Depending on local expertise and availability, many have resolved to alternative treatment methods, including enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP), myocardial laser revascularisation (TMR), spinal cord stimulation and others.