Double-blind and placebo-controlled study of the effectiveness and safety of extracorporeal cardiac shock wave therapy for severe angina pectoris.

BACKGROUND

Low-energy shock wave (SW) therapy has improved myocardial ischemia in both a porcine model and in patients with severe angina pectoris.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To further confirm the effectiveness and safety of SW therapy, 8 patients with severe angina pectoris were treated with SW therapy in a double-blind, placebo-controlled and cross-over manner. SW therapy, but not placebo, significantly improved chest pain symptoms and cardiac function without any complications or adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Extracorporeal cardiac SW therapy is an effective, safe and non-invasive therapeutic option for severe angina pectoris.