External CounterPulsation – The Procedure

iecp in progress

 


External CounterPulsation – The Procedure

 

External CounterPulsation (ECP) sequentially compresses the legs from the calves, thighs, buttocks and upper arms, by inflating four sets of foam padded fabric cuffs during diastole.
This results in the movement of blood from the legs to the heart and entire upper body.Pressure, up to the range of 300 mmHg, is applied with the timing and duration of each pulse synchronized with the patient's ECG. When triggered, the pressure pulses applied to the legs and buttocks transmit retrograde pressure through the entire vascular system, raising diastolic aortic pressure and increasing coronary perfusion pressure. The compression of the vascular beds in the legs, buttocks and arms also increases venous return increasing cardiac output.
This procedure is carried out in 35 sessions of 1 hour each at a frequency of six days a week, and usually takes 40 days to complete. This is the minimum time protocol to be observed by the External CounterPulsation (ECP) therapist, some patients may require more sittings to maximise their benefits from External CounterPulsation (ECP). The extra numbers of sittings required are decided by the physician depending on the patient’s state.