Red Oak Cardiovascular Center

ECP TREATMENT

Question:
Just what is an ECP treatment?

Answer:
ECP is a non-invasive procedure that may reduce symptoms of chronic angina by stimulating the formation of small branches of blood vessels (collaterals), which circumvent the blocked arteries.

Counterpulsation occurs while the heart is resting (diastole). It is during diastole that the CardiAssist system actually pumps, sending blood back to the heart. Air is pumped into a series of cuffs placed on your calves, thighs and buttocks.The cuffs compress your lower extremities in sequence (like a wave) which increases blood flow back toward your heart.The inflation of these cuffs is timed to your heartbeat so the blood arrives at precisely the time the heart relaxes. A fraction of a second before your heart beats again, the cuffs are instantaneously deflated, enabling the blood in your heart to be pumped (systole), with minimal resistance, into your now empty vessels. This decreases the amount of work your heart must perform.

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IT'S AS SIMPLE AS 1, 2, 3…

1. ECP pumps, sending oxygenated blood to the heart during diastole (the heart is resting).
2. ECP stops pumping just before the heart pumps, leaving the blood vessels open, empty, and void of resistance.
3. Over the treatment period your angina is reduced, or may even be eliminated.

Question:
How does ECP treatment help my heart work less?

Answer:
ECP lowers your pressure during systole (when the heart is pumping) and increases your pressure during diastole (when the heart is resting). As a result your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to supply your body with blood flow. A study has shown that the accumulation of 35 hours of treatment produces a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance similar to the “training effect” of exercise. The combination of improved myocardial perfusion and less vascular resistance may explain the symptomatic improvement in patients.

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Question:
How can ECP help relieve angina? A: Your heart is the pump that supplies blood flow throughout the body. It supplies tissues with the oxygen and nutrients that are needed to sustain life. In order to efficiently accomplish this important task, the heart muscle needs oxygen-enriched blood to generate energy for pumping blood to the body. The heart relies on its own set of blood vessels called coronary arteries to receive oxygenated blood. ECP seems to improve circulation to your heart muscle by opening new pathways that circumvent the blocked arteries.

Answer:
MANY PATIENTS SEE:

• Less medication is required
• Fewer angina attacks
• They can do much more physically such as walking, golfing, and gardening.
• Life becomes more "normal".

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Question:
How do I know if I qualify for ECP?

Answer:
Only your doctor can evaluate your condition and determine if you are a candidate for ECP, but the general criteria are:

• You have angina symptoms.
• You have had previous invasion procedures but the pain remains or has returned.
• Nitroglycerin no longer gives you relief .
• Your physician has determined that you are no longer a candidate for any invasive procedure.

Your physician should exercise his or her medical judgment when applying the CardiAssist ECP System to patients with severe peripheral vascular disease, deep vein thrombosis, aortic regurgitation, left ventricular hypertrophy, pacemakers, left or right bundle block, uncontrolled arrhythmias, 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 . Any Questions? Just ask your physician or other member of the health care team.