Definition of EECP®

Enhanced External Counterpulsation is a noninvasive, outpatient procedure to relieve or eliminate angina by improving perfusion in areas of the heart deprived of adequate blood supply. Recent studies indicate that EECP® can cause the recruitment of collateral arteries to areas of the heart deprived of a normal blood supply

Why EECP® Works

Significant obstruction in one or more coronary arteries can create a pressure difference between areas of the heart muscle that receive and those that do not receive enough blood.

Repeated and pulsed increases in pressure during diastole may stimulate opening or formation of collateral channels access this pressure gradient within the heart muscle, resulting in increased blood supply to deprived tissues. The development of a collateral circulation is particularly important in the heart muscle where it may be life saving. However, the development of collateral circulation is a gradual process, and not everyone has the same ability to develop these networks. EECP® treatment appears to stimulate the natural process of developing collateral circulation, but there are probably other, yet unexplained, mechanisms that contribute to the long lasting effects of EECP® treatment.

Treatment Protocol
  • Treatment with EECP® involves a series of 35 one-hour sessions over a period of seven weeks.
     
  • Sessions are usually scheduled on Mon-Fri only. (Exceptions can be made for patients who need to receive therapy on the weekends)
     
  • Double sessions are approved in some cases which may ease patient compliance with EECP® treatment.

Mechanism of Action (How EECP® Works) EECP®

Treatment uses unique equipment to inflate and deflate a series of pneumatic compressive cuffs around the lower extremities.

Treatment in administered on a padded table where three sets of electronically controlled inflation and deflation valves are located.

These valves are connected to specially designed adjustable cuffs that are wrapped firmly, but comfortable around the patient’s calves, lower thighs, and upper thighs, including the buttocks.

The design of the cuffs permits significant pressure to be applied to the arteries and veins at relatively low air pressures.

Timing for inflation and deflation is regulated by running electrocardiogram signals through a microprocessor that monitors the treatment process.

While the heart is at rest the cuffs are inflated in rapid sequence from the calves upward, creating a pressure wave that increases diastolic pressure, coronary artery perfusion pressure, and blood flow to the heart muscle. (shown in steps 1 through 3).

This compression of the blood vessels in the legs also increases the volume of blood returned to the right side of the heart via the venous system.

Instantaneous deflation of all cuffs at the onset of the heart’s contraction lowers the resistance of the heart must pump against, decreasing the heart’s work load.
(shown in step 4).

This latter effect , when coupled with increased venous return, significantly raises cardiac output.

EECP is a registered trademark of Vasomedical, Inc. © 2008 Vasomedical, Inc.

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