What is EECP?
EECP, or Enhanced External Counterpulsation, is a noninvasive treatment for patients with coronary artery disease. Clinical studies over the past several years have shown that 75% of patients treated with a single course of EECP experience a reduction in angina and are able to return to a more active lifestyle.
How it Works
The term External Counter Pulsation (ECP) describes what is happening during the treatment. ECP treatment is 'external' because it happens outside of the body and doesn't require surgery or other invasive procedures. Counter pulsation occurs between heartbeats. The ECP system pumps when the heart is resting (the beginning of diastole) and relieves pressure just before the heart beats (the end of diastole). Counter pulsation increases blood flow to the heart muscle, decreases the heart's workload and creates greater oxygen supply while lowering oxygen demand.
Who qualifies for EECP?
EECP is for patients who have been diagnosed with disabling angina (CCS Angina Class III or IV), CHF, or for individuals who are not good candidates for surgical intervention, in the opinion of a cardiologist, such as PTCA or cardiac bypass due to the following patient conditions.
What a treatment consists of:
Patients lie on a padded table in a treatment room. Electrodes are applied to the chest to record a constant ECG reading. A finger sensor called a plethysmograph, records a tracing that represents blood pressure. Cuffs are wrapped around the calves, thighs and buttocks. The system uses an ECG signal to electronically synchronize inflation and deflation of the cuffs. Patients experience a sensation of strong 'hug' moving upward from calves to thighs to buttocks during inflation followed by the rapid release of pressure on deflation. During ECP treatment, a display shows an ECG signal and a blood pressure tracing. An ECP therapist uses these readings to time Counterpulsation and monitor treatment. The treatment is administered 5 times a week for 7 weeks (35 sessions total) lasting 60 minutes.