An update on enhanced external counterpulsation.

The development of advanced revascularization techniques has resulted in the growth of a subset of patients with coronary artery disease who are nonrevascularizable and are considered to have refractory angina. Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) has been developed for the management of these patients with chronic, refractory disease. Evidence has shown that through improvement of vascular endothelial function and recruitment of collateral vessels, EECP provides many clinical benefits. These patients experience sustained decreases in angina, improvement in exercise time, improved myocardial perfusion, and enhanced quality of life. Furthermore, EECP appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of angina in patients with impaired systolic function and has similar potential in patients with congestive heart failure.