From "http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/tcj/advertising.htm"
In 1939, a surgeon named Feischi developed a surgical procedure for angina pectoris. He reasoned that if the blood flow to the myocardium could be increased, the symptoms of angina would diminish. It was felt that ligating the internal mammary artery would increase myocardial blood flow. The clinical results were favorable, and the operation became popular, with three-quarters of patients reporting improvement or elimination of symptoms. [5]
Twenty years later, The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) published the results of a placebo-controlled trial of internal mammary artery ligation. [6] Of 17 patients, eight got the actual operation. The other nine were anesthetized and got incisions, but nothing else. The fake operations worked as well as the real thing. As a result, internal mammary artery ligation surgery was soon abandoned.
References
1. Coulter H: "The controlled clinical trial. An analysis." Washington (DC): Center for Empirical Medicine. Project Cure; 1991.
2. "Placebo controlled trials are needed to provide data on effectiveness of active treatment" (editorial). British Medical Journal 1996;313:1008.
3. Horng S, Miller FG: "Is placebo surgery unethical?" N Engl J Med 2002;347(2):137.
4. Weijer C: "I need a placebo like I need a hole in the head." J Law Med Ethics 2002;30(1):69.
5. Stolberg SG: "Sham surgery returns as a research tool." The New York Times. 4/25/99.
6. Cobb LA, Thomas GI, Dillard DH, et al: "An evaluation of internal mammary artery ligation by a double-blind technic." N Engl J Med 1959;260:1115.
(Dr. Christopher Kent, president of the Council on Chiropractic Practice, is a 1973 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. The WCA's "Chiropractic Researcher of the Year" in 1994, and recipient of that honor from the ICA in 1991, he was also named ICA "Chiropractor of the Year" in 1998. He is director of research and a co-founder of Chiropractic Leadership Alliance. With Dr. Patrick Gentempo, Jr., Dr. Kent produces a monthly audio series, "On Purpose," covering current events in science, politics and philosophy of vital interest to the practicing chiropractor. For subscription information call 800/892-6463.)