Can angiographic findings predict which coronary patients will benefit from enhanced external counterpulsation?

Enhanced external counterpulsation is an effective treatment for chronic angina. Theoretical considerations predict greatest benefit in patients with al least patent conduit in this group of 50 patients (all of whom improved clinically). Improvement in radionuclide stress perfusion imaging was seen in 80% of treated patients and was inversely related to extent of coronary disease.