In a nutshell
This study examined whether a device could reduce chest pain in patients with coronary artery disease.
Some background
Coronary artery disease refers to a build-up of substance called plaque in the blood vessels to the heart. This narrows the blood vessel and blood flow is affected. Revascularization is usually performed with a procedure to restore blood flow. However, some patients are not suited to have revascularization. In these patients, angina (chest pain) that cannot be controlled with medication occurs. It is suggested that a new device (called Reducer by Neovasc) that puts pressure on the coronary sinus (a blood vessel of the heart) can relieve chest pain.
Methods & findings
Patients who had angina and reduced blood flow to the heart who were not suited for revascularization were studied. 50 patients had the device implanted while 52 patients had a sham procedure (no effect).
71% of patients who received the device and 42% of patients who received sham procedure had an improvement of angina severity. The average severity of angina decreased further among patients who received the device than patients who received sham procedure. There was no significant difference in frequency of angina between the two groups of patients.
The quality of life improved more among patients who received the device than in patients who received the sham procedure. After 6 months, the average duration of exercise had improved by 13% among patients who received the device and by 1% among patients who received the sham procedure.
64% of patients who received the device and 69% of patients who did not receive the device had at least one adverse event (undesired effect of treatment). There were three heart attacks and one death in the group of patients who received sham procedure. There was one heart attack and no deaths in the group of patients who received the device.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that the device reduced angina severity and improved quality of life in patients with angina.
The fine print
This study was supported by Neovasc, the company that developed the device.
What’s next?
Talk to your doctor about treatment available to reduce chest pain you are experiencing.
Published By :
The New England Journal of Medicine
Date :
Feb 05, 2015
