ABOUT EECP (ENHANCED EXTERNAL COUNTER PULSATION):

This is a non-invasive procedure given as an outpatient therapy. Patients of angina/coronary artery disease who have undergone repeated surgical interventions earlier, or cannot undergo surgery (bypass, angioplasty, etc) due to certain contra-indications or refuse surgery, may be advised to undergo this procedure. It is a means to stimulate the openings or formation of collaterals to create a natural bypass around narrowed or blocked arteries. Procedure involves wrapping large cuffs around the calves, thighs and buttocks which are sequentially inflated and deflated. With each compression the blood vessels in the lower limbs increase blood flow to the heart while it is relaxing. When the heart pumps/contracts, pressure is released, lowering resistance in the blood vessels in the legs. Inflation and deflation are electronically synchronized with the heartbeat and blood pressure using the ECG and blood pressure monitors.This therapy is given for 35 hours, administered 1-2 hours a day, five days a week, for 7 weeks. It is not to be given if a patient is pregnant or is suffering from arrhythmia, bleeding disorders, vascular disease in lower limbs, aortic aneurysm, etc. It is given by a Cardiologist or Cardiac surgeon.