[Enhanced external counterpulsation. Evidence of effect on patients suffering from angina pectoris and for whom revascularisation is not possible]

Abstract

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a non-invasive therapy for patients suffering from angina pectoris and for whom revascularisation is not possible. A standard EECP treatment comprises 35 hours over 7 weeks. Cuffs wrapped around the lower extremities and the hips are inflated with air in each diastole and deflated instantly at onset of systole. EECP has a long lasting effect on angina pectoris. Several studies using different methods of assessment with objective blinded methods, have shown that EECP-therapy reduces the ischemic area of the left ventricle.