Study in the American Journal of Cardiology Confirms Benefits of EECP Across the Whole Spectrum of Angina Sufferers First-ever Study On Noninvasive EECP Therapy Accepted at TCT Interventional Conference
WESTBURY, N.Y., Oct 2, 2001 (BW HealthWire) -- Vasomedical, Inc. (Nasdaq: VASO)
announced today that a study recently published in the September 11, 2001 (Vol.
88, Issue 5, Supplement 1) issue of the American Journal of Cardiology revealed
that EECP(R) enhanced external counterpulsation was as effective for patients
who were candidates for revascularization procedures such as angioplasty,
coronary stenting and bypass surgery as it was for those who were not deemed
candidates for these procedures.
These study results suggest that EECP, a noninvasive therapy, could be used as a
primary treatment strategy for many patients with ischemic heart disease. The
study was accepted for presentation at the annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular
Therapeutics (TCT) conference in Washington DC, which was ultimately cancelled
due to the recent attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Another study
presented this past spring at the annual meeting of the British Cardiac Society
reached a similar conclusion, that EECP was a viable primary treatment approach
for patients suffering from angina pectoris.
This study looked at 1,578 patients from the International EECP Patient Registry
(IEPR) at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. Outcome
data from 423 patients who were considered candidates for angioplasty, coronary
stenting and bypass surgery, but who elected to undergo a course of EECP therapy
were compared with those of 1,145 patients for whom such procedures were not
considered an option, both immediately after and at one year following EECP
treatment. Results of the analysis showed that 75% of patients in both groups
experienced a one or more class reduction in their angina immediately following
a course of treatment and that this improvement was sustained at one year. A
majority of the patients in each group reported an improvement in quality of
life as well.
Andrew D. Michaels, MD of the University of California at San Francisco and lead
author of the study entitled, Efficacy of Enhanced External Counterpulsation
(EECP) for Patients who are Not Candidates for Coronary Revascularization:
Immediate and One-Year Clinical Outcomes from the International EECP Patient
Registry stated, "These data show that EECP is an effective treatment approach
not only for those whose anatomy or overall condition make them ineligible for
the more traditional revascularization procedures, but also for those who would
prefer a noninvasive approach." Except for a narrowly defined set of blockage
patterns, PCI (percutaneous coronary interventions) and bypass have never been
shown to reduce mortality.
D. Michael Deignan, President and CEO of Vasomedical, commented, "This study is
exciting because it shows that EECP should not be reserved exclusively for the
no-option patient. There are many patients who, despite being good candidates
for traditional invasive procedures, would prefer a noninvasive approach to
treating their ischemia if such an approach were offered to them. I believe we
are beginning to see a paradigm shift in the treatment of cardiovascular
disease. As EECP becomes increasingly embraced by the cardiology community as an
effective treatment modality and one that is supported by solid scientific data,
the patient pool for this treatment should expand dramatically. In addition, our
PEECH(TM) (Prospective Evaluation of EECP in Congestive Heart Failure) trial is
underway with patient enrollment becoming very active. If EECP is shown to be
effective in heart failure patients, as we anticipate, demand for the therapy
will accelerate."
EECP is a noninvasive, outpatient therapy for the treatment of diseases of the
cardiovascular system. The therapy serves to increase circulation in areas of
the heart with less than adequate blood supply and may restore systemic vascular
function. EECP is currently indicated for use in patients with stable or
unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. The Company
is actively engaged in research to determine potential benefits of EECP therapy
in the management of other major vascular disease states, including congestive
heart failure and diabetes.
Vasomedical, Inc. is primarily engaged in designing, manufacturing, marketing
and supporting external counter pulsation systems based on the Company's
proprietary technology currently indicated for use in cases of angina,
cardiogenic shock and acute myocardial infarction. EECP(R) is a registered
trademark for Vasomedical's enhanced external counterpulsation system. This
system is now in use at major medical centers, including the Beth Israel Medical
Center -- New York City, Christ Hospital and Medical Center, the Cleveland
Clinic, Johns Hopkins, JFK Medical Center-Atlantis, FL, Mayo Clinic, the Miami
Heart Institute, the Ochsner Foundation Hospital, the Texas Heart Institute, and
University Hospital at UMDNJ/New Jersey Medical School as well as medical
centers affiliated with Columbia University, State University of New York at
Stony Brook, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of California at San
Diego, the University of California at San Francisco, University of Florida at
Gainesville, and the University of Virginia. The Company provides hospitals,
clinics and private practices with EECP(R) equipment, treatment guidance and a
staff training and maintenance program designed to provide optimal patient
outcomes. Additional information is available on the Company's website at
www.vasomedical.com. |
