The Marino Center is pleased to offer an effective, safe, non-invasive treatment for angina pectoris known as External Counterpulsation.

This service was previously offered in the Cambridge area by Dr. Stanley Forwand, retired chief of cardiology at Mount Auburn Hospital . Dr. Forwand continues to serve as consultant to Marino Center staff regarding the use of External Counterpulsation.

About External Counterpulsation
When receiving treatment, a patient's calves, thighs and buttocks are wrapped in inflatable cuffs similar to a blood pressure cuff. These are rapidly inflated and deflated between heartbeats, moving blood from the legs back to the heart and other organs. Studies have shown that this treatment reduces or eliminates angina pectoris in approximately 80% of patients. The improvement may last as long as five years. It is effective in many patients who continue to have angina after bypass surgery or stents, or in patients who are not candidates for these invasive procedures.
 
Treatment consists of a session lasting one hour, five days a week for seven weeks. It is painless and non-invasive. Many patients sleep through The Marino Center is pleased to offer an effective, safe, non-invasive treatment for angina pectoris known as External Counterpulsation.

This service was previously offered in the Cambridge area by Dr. Stanley Forwand, retired chief of cardiology at Mount Auburn Hospital . Dr. Forwand continues to serve as consultant to Marino Center staff regarding the use of External Counterpulsation.

For physicians

Referral of patients
Patients may be referred for external counterpulsation therapy by calling 617 661-6225 or by emailing information to gpugh@marinocenter.org . There is no age limit. Exclusion criteria include significant aortic valvular regurgitation and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Patients should be free of venous thrombosis documented by leg vein ultrasound. Significant obstructive disease in the ileofemoral arterial system reduces the likelihood of improvement but is not an absolute contraindication.
 
Currently this service is being offered at the Marino Center for Progressive Health in Cambridge located at 2500 Massachusetts Avenue .