Counterpulsation increases blood flow to the heart muscle, decreases the heart's workload, and creates greater oxygen supply while lowering oxygen demand. Unlike procedures such as bypass surgery and balloon angioplasty, EECP treatment is administered in outpatient sessions, carries little or no risk and is relatively comfortable. Some patients may require bypass surgery. Enhanced External Counterpulsation is an option for patients who are unsuitable for invasive procedures or unwilling to undergo them. For patients who have undergone multiple invasive procedures and for whom additional surgery carries excessive risk, Enhanced External Counterpulsation may by the only way to obtain relief from crippling angina.
Patients lie on a padded table in a treatment room.
Three electrodes are applied to the chest to record a constant ECG reading. A finger sensor, called a plethysmograph, records a tracing that represents blood pressure. A set of cuffs is wrapped around the calves, thighs, and buttocks. The system uses an ECG signal to electronically synchronize inflation and deflation of the cuffs. During EECP treatment, a display shows an ECG signal and a blood pressure tracing.