Clinical trials have confirmed the benefits of EECP® 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 EECP® 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.
EECP® 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 of collateral channels across this pressure gradient within the heart muscle, resulting in increased blood supply to deprived tissues
You may NOT be a candidate for EECP® treatment if you have any of the following conditions: |
- Certain heart rhythm abnormalities
- Limiting peripheral vascular disease
- Severe high blood pressure
- Bleeding diathesis
- Pregnancy or failure to employ a reliable method of birth control.
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Typical course of treatment |
A typical course of treatment requires patients to attend one-hour treatment sessions once a day, five days a week, for seven weeks. Many patients have continued working during the course of treatment by scheduling early morning or late afternoon appointments. Some patients may require more than 35 hours of treatment to achieve optimal benefit. Because each person's condition is unique, there is no predictable point during treatment when you will feel an improvement. Experience has shown, however, that many patients tend to report some improvement in their conditions after as few as 10 or 12 treatment sessions, although it may take longer. |
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Above information is curtsey of www.Vasomedical.com
Please also see: 3 case studies.
