Enhanced External Counterpulsation is a noninvasive, outpatient procedure to reduce the symptoms of angina pectoris (Chest Pain) by improving perfusion of areas of the heart deprived of adequate blood supply.

EECP therapy uses unique equipment to inflate and deflate a series of pneumatic compressive cuffs enclosing the lower extremities. Treatment is administered on a padded table in which three sets of electronically controlled inflation and deflation valves are located. These valves are connected to specially designed adjustable cuffs that are wrapped firmly, but comfortably around the patient's calves, lower thighs, and upper thighs, including the buttocks. The design of the cuffs permits significant pressure to be applied to the arteries and veins at relatively low air pressures. Timing for inflation and deflation is regulated by running ECG signals through a microprocessor (computer) that monitors safety and precision.

While the heart is at rest (diastole) the cuffs are inflated in rapid sequence from the calves upward, creating a pressure wave that increases diastolic pressure, coronary artery perfusion pressure and blood flow to the heart muscle. This compression of the blood vessels in the legs also increases the volume of blood returned to the right side of the heart via the venous system. Instantaneous deflation of all cuffs at the onset of the heart's contraction (systole) lowers the resistance against what the heart must pump, thereby decreasing the heart's workload. This latter effect, when coupled with increased venous return, significantly raises cardiac output. The overall effect is to increase the heart's oxygen supply while decreasing it's oxygen demand.

Patients receive EECP Treatment for one sixty-minute treatment sessions each day, 5 days a week) for a total of 35 hours.

Step 1 Inflation initiates retrograde pulse wave

Step 2 Inflation of lower thigh cuffs-50ms later

Step 3 Inflation of upper thigh cuffs-50ms later

Step 4 Deflation facilitates cardiac unloading