How to work

ECP treatment uses unique equipment to inflate and deflate a series of pneumatic compressive cuffs around the lower extremities. Treatment is 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 comfortably 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. 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 the heart must pump against, decreasing the heart's work load. This latter effect, when coupled with increased venous return, significantly raises cardiac output. The overall effect is to increase the oxygen supply of the heart, while decreasing its oxygen demand.

-----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 collateral channels across this pressure gradient within the heart muscle, resulting in increased blood supply to deprived tissues.

Benefits of ECP

External Counterpulsation (ECP) treatment is a noninvasive, outpatient procedure to relieve angina by improving perfusion in areas of the heart deprived of adequate blood supply.

Clinical trials have confirmed the benefits of ECP treatment. They include: symptomatic relief of angina unresponsive to medical therapy, improved blood flow to deprived areas of heart muscle demonstrated by the results of thallium stress testing, elimination or reduction of nitrate use, improved ability to exercise.

------In a 3-year, follow-up study, the majority of patients remained free of angina and showed persistent improvements in their thallium scans. Patients and their families usually report noticeably greater ability to engage in daily activity.

------Patients usually receive ECP treatment for 35 hours divided into one or two 60-minute treatment sessions five days per week. Patients who undergo two treatment sessions in one day rest between sessions.

ECP vs. EECP

There has been much discussion in the world of cardiac medicine as to the differences between EECP (Enhanced External Counter Pulsation) and that of ECP (External Counter Pulsation). Many incorrectly assume that EECP is an improved version of Healthgiving's HG ECP system and thereby provides more therapeutic value to a cardiac patient.
The official governmental definition for both EECP and ECP is exactly the same and is defined as a non-invasive treatment for patients with coronary artery disease that suffer with angina (chest pain), congestive heart failure (CHF), cardiogenic shock, and myocardial infarction. Coverage for ECP is provided only for patients who are diagnosed with angina (class III or Class IV or equivalent classification) and who, in the opinion of a cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon, are not readily amendable to surgical intervention.
EECP is a trademark of one ECP manufacturer and is nothing more than a marketing term. There are also ECP companies who are now promoting SECP (Super External Counter Pulsation) systems, which are standard ECP systems with the term "super" being merely a marketing ploy.

Healthgiving----A Professional Supplier and Manufacturer of ECP Medical Device Worldwide