[The combined application of enhanced external counterpulsation for the rehabilitation of the patients presenting with coronary heart disease].

We have studied the influence of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) applied in the combination with gaseous carbon dioxide baths and infrared laser therapy on the dynamics of clinical and functional abnormalities in the patients presenting with coronary heart disease (CHD) including those after surgical myocardial revascularization. The study was conducted on 40 patients of whom 20 suffered from chronic coronary heart disease and FC II-III angina of effort and the remaining 20 ones presented with coronary artery disease following myocardial revascularization (including 5 patients six months after coronary bypass grafting (CBG) and 15 ones three months after translumbar angioplasty (TLAP) in the combination with stenting of the coronary arteries). The study demonstrated that EECP in the combination with gaseous carbon dioxide baths and infrared laser therapy produced anti-ischemic and antianginal effects, stimulated myocardial contractility, contributed to economization of the cardiac activity, increased exercise tolerance, myocardial and coronary reserves. These changes resulted in the improvement of both the psychological status and the quality of life of the patients.

[Topical problems of the diagnosis and rehabilitative treatment of lymphedema of the lower extremities].

The present review of the literature data highlights modern approaches to and major trends in diagnostics and conservative treatment of lymphedema of the lower extremities based on the generalized world experience. Patients with lymphedema of the lower extremities comprise a "difficult to manage" group because the disease is characterized by steady progression and marked refractoriness to various conservative therapeutic modalities creating problems for both the patient and the attending physician. Modern methods for the diagnosis of lymphedema are discussed with special reference to noninvasive and minimally invasive techniques (such as lymphoscintiography, computed tomography, MRT, laser Doppler flowmetry, etc.). During the last 20 years, combined conservative therapy has been considered as the method of choice for the management of different stages and forms of lymphedema of the lower extremities in foreign clinics. The basis of conservative therapy is constituted by manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression bandages using short-stretch materials, physical exercises, and skin care (using the method of M. Foldi). Also reviewed are the main physiobalneotherapeutic methods traditionally widely applied for the treatment of lymphedema of the lower extremities in this country. Original methods for the same purpose developed by the authors are described including modifications of cryotherapy, pulsed matrix laserotherapy, hydro- and balneotherapy. Mechanisms of their therapeutic action on the main pathogenetic factors responsible for the development of lymphedema (with special reference to lymph transport and formation) are discussed. The principles of combined application of physiotherapeutic methods for the rehabilitative treatment of patients presenting with lymphedema of the lower extremities are briefly substantiated. Special emphasis is laid on their influence on major components of the pathological process.

[Current state-of-the-art of rehabilitative treatment of chronic obliterative arterial diseases of the lower extremities].

Up-to-date approaches and methods for balneotherapy of chronic obliterative arterial diseases of the lower extremities are discussed with special reference to their confirmed clinical efficiency. The necessity of differential application of physical agents to the treatment and rehabilitation of the patients with these diseases is substantiated.

[Efficacy of chromotherapy in patients with hypertension].

The article describes the technique of nonpharmacological treatment of hypertension with light. Chromotherapy can be used in outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and sanatoria.

[THe development of systems for the early rehabilitation of patients with ischemic heart disease following aortocoronary bypass]. / Razrabotka kompleksov rannei reabilitatsii bol'nykh ishemicheskoi bolezn'iu serdtsa posle aortokoronarnogo shuntirovaniia.

Two rehabilitation complexes are described for coronary heart disease patients early after aortocoronary shunting. The first complex includes "dry" effervescent baths, magnetolaser therapy applied to the heart area, cryomassage of the abdomen. The second complex consisted of the above modalities plus dry air baths. Indications and contraindications to these complexes are specified.