Enhanced External Counterpulsation
EECP stands for Enhanced External Counterpulsation, a non-invasive and innovative therapy used to treat certain heart conditions, particularly angina (chest pain) caused by heart blockages or coronary artery disease (CAD). This therapy involves the use of inflatable cuffs wrapped around the patient's legs, buttocks, and lower abdomen, which are synchronized with the patient's heartbeats to improve blood flow to the heart.
EECP Treatment for Heart Block
EECP therapy is particularly effective in treating heart blockages or coronary artery disease (CAD) by increasing blood flow to the heart muscle. During each treatment session, the cuffs inflate and deflate in sync with the patient's heartbeat, pushing more blood towards the heart during diastole (when the heart is relaxed). This process enhances coronary artery blood flow, improving oxygen delivery to the heart muscle and alleviating angina symptoms.
Working of EECP Treatment
- Cuff Inflation: The cuffs inflate sequentially from the lower legs to the upper thighs and buttocks.
- Counterpulsation: The cuffs deflate in sync with the heart's diastole phase, creating a "counterpulsation" effect, which increases blood flow to the coronary arteries.
- Relaxation Phase: During the heart's systole phase (contraction), the cuffs remain deflated, allowing the heart to pump blood efficiently.
Who is Eligible for EECP Treatment?
EECP therapy is generally recommended for patients who experience chronic stable angina or angina that persists despite medical treatment or is not suitable for invasive procedures like bypass surgery or angioplasty. A thorough evaluation by our expert cardiologists will determine if you are a suitable candidate for EECP treatment.
