Q: There is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment for heart disease called ECP. My father who is 63 years old, has 80% blockage in Lcx and 70% in RCA (mid segment). After a positive TMT test during routine testing, angiography was done and he was advised to undergo bypass operation for the Lcx and ballooning with stent for the RCA. But the ECP providers say that ECP will also be equally successful, that it is US-FDA approved and that as per the latest guidelines from world authorities, bypass operation or ballooning is not indicated in this case and that this is an ideal case for ECP. May I know your valuable opinion? Also, there is no mention of ECP on your website, though it is US-FDA approved. I was wondering as to why?

A:ECP is approved by the US FDA for patients who have intractable angina not responding to medical treatment and who are not suitable for either angioplasty or bypass surgery. ECP is not the first line treatment and is advised only when other treatment options are not feasible. However, more definitive opinion can only be given after seeing your angiogram and therefore your cardiologist will be the best to advise on this front.