(EECP)
Definition
Definition
Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a treatment for chronic, stable chest pain known as angina. Angina happens when there is not enough blood and oxygen being pumped to the heart to support the work it is doing. It may also be used to treat certain people with heart failure.
Cuffs, similar to blood pressure cuffs, are placed on the legs. These cuffs inflate and deflate with air to the rhythm of the heart. This helps to push blood back toward the heart, increasing blood flow. Since circulation is improved, the heart does not have to work so hard.
The Cardiovascular SystemEECP pushes blood back toward the heart to reduce the heart’s workload.
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Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
You may have EECP to treat angina if:
- Your medications are not working well enough
- You are not a good candidate for surgery
- Your doctor wants you to try a nonmedical alternative before considering surgery
- You have had surgery but are still having chest pain
The benefits of EECP may include:
- Decrease in symptoms of angina
- Decreased need for angina medications
- Ability to do activities, such as exercise, without angina
- Improved heart function if a lack of oxygenated blood flow is a problem
- Improved quality of life
Possible Complications
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Chafing
- Bruising or blisters
- Bleeding if your blood is too thin
- Leg or waist pain
- Worsening of heart failure in people who have certain heart rhythm abnormalities
You should not have EECP if you are pregnant or have any of these conditions:
- Severe heart failure
- Certain heart valve problems, such as significant aortic insufficiency or regurgitation
- Problems with heart rhythm, called arrhythmias
- High blood pressure you cannot control with medications
- Blockages in the veins or arteries of your legs
- Recent heart catheterization
- Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Before you begin EECP, your doctor may:
- Discuss your medical history
- Discuss any medications you are taking—your doctor may not recommend EECP if you take blood thinners
- Answer any questions you have about the procedure
You may want to wear tight-fitting, seamless pants. This can help prevent chafing from the cuffs.
Anesthesia
You will not be given any anesthesia. EECP is not painful.
Description of Procedure
You will lie on a padded table. Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm. Your blood pressure will also be monitored.
Cuffs will be placed on your calves and upper and lower thighs. The cuffs attach to air hoses that will inflate and deflate them in rhythm with your heart. You will feel a strong “hug” from the cuffs, beginning at your calves and moving to your upper thighs. The cuffs will inflate 60-80 times each minute during the treatment.
How Long Will It Take?
You will be treated for a total of 35 hours. Treatments are usually given each day over 7 weeks.
How Much Will It Hurt?
EECP is not painful. You may feel uncomfortable when the cuffs tighten on your legs.
Post-procedure Care
After your treatment, the electrodes and cuffs will be removed. You can go home as soon as you are done with treatment. You may feel slightly tired after the treatment. This feeling will get better over time.
When you return home, do the following to help manage your angina:
- If you smoke, talk with your doctor about how you can quit.
- Manage your weight.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
- Take all medications as prescribed.
- Exercise regularly and stay as active as possible.
- Go to any recommended appointments.
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
After arriving home, call your doctor or call for medical help right away if there are signs that your angina is getting worse:
- Severe chest pain that may feel tight or heavy
- Shortness of breath
- Numbness or tingling in shoulder, arm, or wrist
- Nausea
- Symptoms not relieved with medication
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
RESOURCES:
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada http://www.heartandstroke.com
References:
Enhanced external counterpulsation. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at:
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/cad/eecp.aspx
Updated May 2015. Accessed June 29, 2015.
Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP). The Ohio State University Medical Center Heart and Vascular center website. Available at:
http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/heart/conditions/pages/treatments/eecp.aspx
Accessed June 29, 2015.
What is angina? National Heart Lung and Blood Institute website. Available at:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/angina
Updated June 1, 2011. Accessed June 29, 2015.
What is angina? American Heart and Stroke Association website. Available at:
http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@hcm/documents/downloadable/ucm_300287.pdf
Published 2012. Accessed June 29, 2015.
Manchanda A, Soran O. Enhanced external counterpulsation and future directions: step beyond medical management for patients with angina and heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;50(16):1523-1531.
Last Updated: 5/11/2013