Refractory Angina: the Current State of Mechanical Therapies

AbstractPurpose of ReviewRefractory angina (RA), which is characterized by tissue ischemia along with neurological, mitochondrial, and psychogenic dysfunction, is becoming a major cause of morbidity in patients with advanced coronary artery disease. In this review, we discuss in detail the invasive mechanical non-cell therapy –based options, the evidence behind these therapies, and future trends.Recent FindingsThere is extensive ongoing research in the areas of spinal-cord stimulation, transmyocardial laser revascularization, sympathectomy, angiogenesis, and other non-cell-based therapies to explore the best therapy for refractory angina. There is conflicting data in the literature suggesting subjective improvement in angina, but very few studies boast improvement in core objective parameters such as myocardial blood flow, survival, or rehospitalizations.SummaryPatients with refractory angina are a complex group of patients that need novel approaches to help alleviate their symptoms and reduce mortality. A carefully selected sequence of therapies may provide the best results in this patient population.
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research