Services
ECP Therapy - External Counterpulsation Therapy
External Counterpulsation (ECP) Therapy is a non-invasive treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD). ECP therapy provides relief from angina or chest pain, without invasive surgery. Many people who suffer from heart disease are unable to supply enough oxygen-rich blood to nourish the heart muscle (ischemia). The symptom commonly associated is angina or chest pain.
ECP Therapy helps to relieve symptoms of angina. During ECP therapy, pressure cuffs are wrapped firmly around the calves, thighs, and buttocks. The cuffs inflate and deflate between each heart beat. When inflated, the cuffs squeeze blood toward the heart increasing coronary perfusion pressure, coronary blood flow and oxygen supply. This process helps oxygenated blood reach the heart muscle, further reducing or eliminating angina pain.
Treatment Goals
- Decrease symptoms of angina, shortness of breath, and fatigue
- Increase exercise tolerance
- Increase energy and stamina
- Decrease medication use
- Improve quality of life
How ECP Therapy is provided
- Therapy consists of 35 one hour sessions given over seven weeks.
- The patient lies on a comfortable treatment platforms with a series of cuffs (similar to BP cuffs) wrapped around their calves, thighs and buttocks.
- 3 electrodes are placed on the chest to obtain the heart’s ECG rhythm.
- The cuffs will inflate and deflate with the patient’s heart rhythm.
- Cuff inflation occurs after each heart beat providing a sequential squeeze of the lower extremities. Simultaneous cuff deflation occurs before the next heart beat.
- Blood pressure changes are monitored by a sensor placed on the finger.
- A technician remains close by the patient during treatments to facilitate effective therapy and ensure patient safety and comfort.
- Vital signs are obtained before and after each treatment.
What the patient can expect
- ECP is a safe, non-invasive, effective treatment option for patients suffering from coronary artery disease and refractory angina.
- Side effects are minimal and may include muscle soreness and fatigue during the first few weeks of treatment. This is similar to the effects of an exercise program.
- A few patients report temporary dizziness or headaches.
- Some patients develop skin irritation from cuff friction. Special treatment pants and padding are used to minimize patients at risk.
- Most patients will start to feel improvement after 12 to 15 treatments.
- Treatment should not be painful, but may be uncomfortable at times. This is common as the patient acclimates to the intensity of the cuff pressure.
How ECP Works
- Cuff inflation squeezes the blood in the lower extremities back toward the heart.
- This produces an increase in the volume of blood circulated by the heart improving what is called cardiac output.
- Improved cardiac output benefits all of the body’s tissues and vital organs.
- Cuff inflation increases the blood flow to the coronary arteries which provides much needed oxygen and nourishment to the heart muscle.
- Cuff inflation creates a void in the blood vessels of the lower extremities.
- Cuff deflation decreases the effort exerted by the heart when it contracts. Blood returns to fill the void when the cuffs release helping to pump more efficiently.
- The combined effects improve the overall functioning of the heart. During the course of 7 weeks, ECP therapy helps to establish new coronary arteries where blockages existed.
