ECP is a non-invasive circulatory assist therapy that increases circulation, reduces the symptoms of angina by stimulating the formation of small branches of blood vessels (collaterals) which circumvent the blocked arteries.

It is a treatment option recognized by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, FDA and Medicare.

Indications for ECP

ECP is an excellent treatment option for patients who do not want surgery, who have angina, even a failed angioplasty, bypass surgery or both and patients with congestive heart failure.

Preparation for TEE

Your cardiologist and your cardiac nurse will conduct a pre-ECP assessment. You will be asked to sign consent for ECP treatment. You may eat a light meal no later than 2 hours before your treatment. Any intake of tea or caffeinated beverages should ideally be taken only after each ECP session. Leggings will be provided and must be worn everyday. Short socks are preferable to knee length. Wear an open neck short-sleeved shirt or blouse. It is important to empty your bladder and weight each time before starting the treatment. Further instruction will be given on the day of your appointment regarding your medications. Any queries can be directed to your Cardiac Nurse Educator at Ext.1290.

How is it done?

A nurse will assist you and wrap a series of cuffs around your limbs when you have changed your clothes.

You will have surface electrodes placed on your chest coupled with a finger plethysmograph to synchronize the pumping to your heart rhythm.

Your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation will be closely monitored.

Counter pulsation occurs while heart is resting (diastole). It is during diastole that ECP machine actually pumps, sending blood back to the heart. Air is inflated in a series of cuffs placed on your calves, thighs and buttocks.

The system compresses your lower extremities in a sequence, which increases blood flow back to the heart precisely at the time when the heart relaxes in a fraction of a second before the heart beats again. This decreases the amount of work the heart has to perform.

Patients should expect to be relatively comfortable and be able to relax during treatment.

Duration: 1-2 hours per session for a total of 35 contact hours, 5 days a week for seven weeks. A nurse will be attending to you entirely during each session.

Constant feedback of your progress will be given to your cardiologists while you are having treatment.

What can you expect after treatment?

Most patients receive substantial improvement in their overall heart conditions. Following clinical benefits are observed and published: