The External Counterpulsation (ECP) / Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) treatment procedure is a safe, non-invasive therapy primarily for patients with chronic angina and heart failure. It involves a series of sessions where inflatable cuffs help stimulate blood flow to the heart, ultimately improving circulation and reducing symptoms. Here’s an overview of how ECP / EECP treatment works:

Step-by-Step EECP Treatment Procedure

1. Preparation and Positioning:

• The patient lies down on a specialized ECP / EECP treatment bed, and ECG electrodes are attached to monitor the heart’s rhythm throughout the session.

• Inflatable cuffs are wrapped around the patient’s calves, thighs, and lower hips. These cuffs play a crucial role in directing blood flow back to the heart.

2. Monitoring Heartbeat and Oxygen Levels:

• An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to synchronize the timing of the cuffs with the heart’s rhythm. A pulse oximeter may also be attached to monitor oxygen levels and heart rate.

3. Inflation and Deflation of Cuffs:

• In sync with the heartbeat, the cuffs inflate sequentially from the calves upward, squeezing blood back toward the heart.

• When the heart is at rest between beats (diastole), the cuffs inflate, helping increase blood flow back to the heart and improve oxygen delivery.

• Just before the heart pumps (systole), the cuffs rapidly deflate, reducing resistance and making it easier for the heart to pump blood out to the body. This reduces the heart’s workload and aids in more efficient blood circulation.

4. Session Duration:

• Each session typically lasts about 1 hour. Patients usually undergo a series of treatments—most commonly 5 sessions per week for 7 weeks, totaling about 35 sessions. The exact number of sessions may vary based on individual needs and the doctor’s recommendations.

5. Patient Comfort:

• During the treatment, patients can rest, read, or listen to music. The process is generally comfortable, with some patients describing a gentle squeezing sensation in the legs. Medical staff are available to ensure comfort and adjust cuff pressure if needed.

6. Post-Treatment:

• After each session, patients can immediately resume their regular activities as there is no recovery period required.

• Patients are monitored over time to assess improvements in symptoms, exercise tolerance, and quality of life.

Results and Follow-Up

After completing the full course of ECP / EECP, patients often experience reduced chest pain, improved physical endurance, and overall better heart function. Follow-up visits with the doctor help track these improvements and adjust other treatments as necessary.

Summary