ECP: INTRODUCTION
ECP: TREATMENT PROTOCOL
ECP: THE CONCEPT
ECP: CLINICAL RESPONSE
ECP: PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

ECP: TREATMENT PROTOCOL

The established treatment regimen is 35 one hour sessions. Usually treatment is provided five days per week over a 7 week period. Patients lie on a comfortable physical therapy bed (See photo below). Patients can watch TV or catch up on their sleep during the procedure.

Indications for Use
ECP is used to increase perfusion during diastole in persons with chronic angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. There is clinical experience for cardiac patients suffering from myocardial infarction, angina pectoris and cardiogenic shock showing an improvement in diastolic perfusion pressure with external counterpulsation. These patients frequently exhibit less recurrent chest pain, less ventricular fibrillation, reduction or elimination of shock symptoms, decrease in heart size, less progression to cardiac failure, afterload reduction, increased quality of life and decreased mortality rates when external counterpulsation treatment is applied.

CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this device to sale or use by or on the order of a physician.

ECP Treatment Protocol Precautions
The physician exercises medical judgment when applying ECP to patients with severe peripheral vascular disease, deep vein thrombosis, aortic regurgitation, left ventricular hypertrophy, pacemakers, left or right bundle block, uncontrolled arrhythmia's, significant aortic valve disease, significant pulmonary disease, or unsuitable lower extremity anatomy (e.g. amputation or congenital deformity). There is no data to support the use of ECP during pregnancy.

ECP is used only by qualified medical and paramedical personnel under the direction and supervision of the physician.

Prior to treatment or referral
A complete medical history and physical is taken.
Medication List Review:
Diuretics should be taken after treatment.
Beta-Blockers can cause the heart rate to be too low.
Coumadin care is necessary if PT>15 or INR>3.
Blood Pressure Medications are required if HTN>180-110

ECG Review: A 12 lead base line ECG should be taken for future reference.
Arrhythmia's will interfere with the triggering of the ECP System, e.g.
a-fib, a-flutter, PVC's or v-tach.
Also Review:
Most recent Stress Echo and or Echocardiogram:
Pulse Oximetry>90%
Review ST segment depression or elevation
Ectopy
Aortic insufficiency (a trace is ok)
Atrial regurgitation

continue >   < back