A historical overview of enhanced external counterpulsation.
Angina remains a significant health problem in the United States and the world. Although there are a variety of pharmacologic and interventional therapies to treat angina, many patients are not adequately helped by these treatments. Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is an effective, noninvasive technique designed to decrease the frequency and duration of anginal episodes, as well as increase exercise duration in patients with acute angina. Since the early 1960s, the technology of EECP has been thoroughly refined. In addition, a number of important clinical trials have provided evidence for its effectiveness. Continuing research is needed to determine the best patients for EECP and its appropriate clinical application.
DeMaria
Anthony N
AN
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, California 92103-8411, USA. ademaria@ucsd.edu
D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000266:history* / Q000628:therapy; D015908:Counterpulsation / Q000266:history* / Q000379:methods; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000266:history