EECP: Enhanced External Counterpulsation
Non-Invasive Cardiac Therapy for Angina and Chronic Heart
Disease
Enhanced External Counterpulsation
(EECP) is a non-invasive cardiac therapy that helps improve blood flow to the
heart muscle without any procedure, surgery, or medication. It is particularly
used for patients with chronic stable angina chest pain that occurs with
exertion who have already been treated with best possible medications and interventions but
continue to have symptoms, or for whom further procedures are not appropriate.
What Is EECP?
EECP uses a set of inflatable
cuffs placed around the calves, thighs, and buttocks. The cuffs inflate and
deflate in precise synchrony with the heartbeat, driven by a computer that
monitors the ECG continuously.
During the heart's resting phase
(diastole), the cuffs rapidly inflate, compressing the blood vessels in the
legs and pushing additional blood towards the heart and coronary arteries.
During the heart's pumping phase (systole), the cuffs rapidly deflate, reducing
the resistance the heart has to pump against.
Over the course of treatment, this
repeated enhancement of coronary blood flow promotes the development of small
new blood vessel connections in the heart muscle a process called
collateralization. Many patients experience a meaningful reduction in angina
frequency and improvement in exercise tolerance.
Who Is EECP Suitable For?
•
Patients with chronic
stable angina that has not been adequately controlled with medications.
• Patients who are not suitable for further angioplasty or bypass surgery, or for whom further procedures carry unacceptable risk.
•
Patients who wish to
improve their exercise capacity and reduce angina without further invasive
procedures.
What Does a Course of EECP Involve?
A standard EECP course consists of
35 sessions of one hour each, typically delivered over 7 weeks (5 sessions per
week). The patient lies comfortably on a treatment couch while the cuffs do the
work. The procedure is painless; most patients read, listen to music, or rest
during sessions.
The cumulative benefit builds over
the course of treatment. Results are typically assessed at the end of the
35-session course.
|
EECP
is not suitable for all patients. Contraindications include certain types of
arrhythmia, severe aortic regurgitation, and deep vein thrombosis. Our team
will assess your suitability carefully before starting treatment. |
