Abstract
AIMS: The study delved into the identification of key research areas and evolving trends within the domain of Enhanced External Counterpulsation, aiming to gain comprehensive insights into the subject matter. METHODS: Utilizing the sophisticated search parameter of 'topic' (TS) on the Web of Science (WoS) database, the necessary information was retrieved. This research employed an array of tools for effective data extraction, analysis, and visualization, which included Microsoft Excel for tabular management, HistCite Pro for citation analysis, GunnMap for geographical mapping, BibExcel for bibliometric assessments, and VOSviewer for network visualization purposes. RESULTS: From its establishment up until March 31, 2024 a total of 535 entries were recorded in the WoS database, with 491 of these relevant to the specified subject matter. The USA was the most prolific country, and China ranked second. Sun Yat Sen University was the most productive institution, which was from China. And 80 % of the top 10 institutions were from the USA. A keyword co-occurrence analysis was conducted, revealing four distinct research foci. And they were the application of EECP in cardiovascular disease, the main indications of EECP, the mechanism of EECP and the therapeutic effect of EECP, respectively. Researchers paid the most attention to the application of EECP on the cardiac cardiovascular system. Professor Lawson WE, Hui JCK and Kennard ED were the top three prolific authors. Lawson WE, Henry TD, Braith RW and Zheng ZS were identified as the core authors in the author co-citation network analysis. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the literature surrounding improved enhanced external counterpulsation in this investigation, which can help researchers understand the theme trend better and grasp the research gap, to carry out further research and promote the progress of the topic.