[Management of refractory angina pectoris]

Abstract

An increasing number of patients with coronary artery disease have ischemic symptoms that are unresponsive to both conventional medical therapy and revascularization techniques. The objective of this study was to define the population of patients with refractory angina pectoris and to present the therapeutic options currently available for this condition. Among many techniques, the enhanced external counterpulsation, transmyocardial laser revascularization and neurostimulation have been shown to reduce angina and to improve objective measures of myocardial ischemia in patients with refractory angina.