Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP / ECP):
Enhanced External Counter-Pulsation (EECP) Therapy
External Counter Pulsation (ECP) Machine
Schematic of the sequential diastolic and systolic deflations of leg cuffs during EECP therapy
Enhanced External Counter-Pulsation (EECP) Therapy
Helping patients in the treatment and management of angina episodes & increasing heart function.
Enhanced external counter-pulsation commonly known as EECP is completely non – invasive outpatient treatment for chronic stable angina, heart failure, pressure, shortness of breath or fatigue and diabetics. EECP therapy increases the supply of blood returning to the heart muscles, which helps supply more oxygen to its starved cellular area which results improved endothelium function. With improved endothelium function the heart muscles function more efficiently, and angina symptoms, including chest pain episodes are controlled.
The result of EECP can be further enhanced when EECP is integrated with significant lifestyle changes. With EECP, people experience less need for anti-anginal medicine, fewer symptoms and the ability to be more active.
Initially Cardiologist recommend EECP to the patients with the symptoms of refectory angina or to the patients who have exhausted other treatment methods, such as bypass surgery, angioplasty, arterial stents or anti-anginal medications and medications. EECP may provide benefits long after the treatment is completed, and some patients remain symptom-free for years. EECP may also be repeated over a period of time.
Now a days with the technological advancements and awareness about lifestyle patients are widely choosing EECP as a first line of treatment for the heart blockages.
How Does EECP/ECP Works?
EECP therapy consists of three sets of pneumatic cuffs (A balloon type blooder wrapped around the legs) attached to each of the patient’s legs at the calf and lower and upper thigh. The inflation and deflation of cuffs is synchronized with the patient’s heart beat. The inflation of the cuffs is triggered by a computer, and timing of the inflation is based on the R wave of the electrocardiogram. The EECP therapist adjusts the inflation and deflation timing to provide optimal blood movement per a finger plethysmogram waveform reading. This produces a retrograde flow of blood in the aorta (aortic counter-pulsation), resulting in a diastolic augmentation of blood flow and also an increase in venous return, which leads to an improved coronary perfusion pressure during diastole. Shortly afterwards, the cuffs simultaneously deflate before the onset of systole, thereby decreasing vascular resistance, assisting with systolic unloading, and decreasing cardiac workload.
EECP help the blood flow around blocked or partially blocked arteries by promoting growth of new vessels (collaterals) and rerouting blood through nearby branches (called collateral circulation) moreover due to increased diastolic blood flow cause releasing nitric oxide from the endothelial layers which results formation of more new channels, widening of existing collateral channels and increasing the elasticity of arteries.
EECP uses cuff-like devices on the upper and lower legs that increase the blood flow to the heart by timed squeezing with the heart cycle and rhythm. It may help the blood flow around blocked or partially blocked arteries by promoting growth of new vessels (collaterals) and rerouting blood through nearby branches (called collateral circulation).
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