ECP
ECP - External Counterpulsation Therapy
The
Cardiovascular Lab at Phelps offers ECP (External Counterpulsation Therapy)
to people with angina or congestive heart failure. For information, call: 914-366-3752.
What is ECP therapy?
ECP therapy is a clinically proven, non-invasive treatment option available to patients with angina or congestive heart failure (CHF). It is primarily used to relieve discomfort and improve quality of life for patients who have been unresponsive to other therapies.
How does ECP therapy work?
ECP therapy improves circulation to the heart muscle, increasing oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart and reducing the heart's workload. It can help build new pathways around blocked arteries in the heart by expanding networks of tiny collateral blood vessels that facilitate blood flow to the heart muscle.
What happens during an ECP treatment?
ECP treatment is a simple and comfortable procedure. The patient relaxes on a padded mattress and a trained nurse or therapist wraps the muscular areas of the patient's calves, thighs, and buttocks with pneumatic cuffs, similar to blood pressure cuffs (see picture above). Hoses connect the cuffs to an air pressure/vacuum pump.
The patient feels a sensation like a strong "hug" moving upward from the calves to the thighs to the buttocks as the cuffs inflate and deflate. Each cycle is electronically synchronized with individual heartbeats.
How many treatments are needed?
A typical course of treatment requires 35 one-hour sessions, once daily, five days a week, for seven weeks.
Many patients report feeling improvement after as few as 10 treatment sessions.
What are the benefits of ECP?
ECP therapy has demonstrated success in over 80 percent of patients treated, with significant improvement in relief of angina, increased endurance, and reduced dependence on medication.
It has been shown to reduce or eliminate the frequency and intensity of angina, ultimately; allowing patients to experience an improved quality of life and increased exercise tolerance.
Information
For more information about ECP, please call Claire Zane, Director of the Cardiovascular Lab at Phelps: (914) 366-3752.
Related Information:
CardioVascular Risk Assessment Center
Phelps Cardiovascular Diagnostic Laboratory