External Counterpulsation Therapy (or commonly referred to as ECP Therapy) has proven to be an effective, non-invasive (non-surgical) treatment option for patients with a variety of medical conditions.
Potential ECP Patients are those with documented Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) that are comfortable at rest, but with varying degree of physical activity the patients can experience symptoms of:
– Chest Pain
– Shortness of Breath
– Dizziness
– Fatigue
– Heart Palpitations
External Counterpulsation Therapy is proven to deliver the aerobic exercise and peripheral benefits of intense exercise. If your physician is emphasizing the importance of exercise, then ECP Therapy may be a good option for you. A strong heart will consistently deliver oxygenated blood to each of the vital organs in your body including your brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, eyes and all of your extremities (hands, feet, brain). ECP Therapy is a low risk, low stress treatment that provides all of the benefits and bi-products of exercise without any risk or effort!
Contra-Indications for ECP Therapy
There are a few items that may potentially disqualify you from ECP Therapy. The contra-indications for ECP Therapy include:
– Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (surgical size (surgical size AAA ≥ 5cm)
– Active Deep Vein Thrombophlebitis on any limb affected by treatment
– Aortic Insufficiency (moderate to severe A.I. may exacerbate regurgitation)
– Peripheral Vascular Disease involving occlusion of the ileofemoral artery
– Recent surgery or intervention within the last 8 weeks
– Presence of severe Peripheral Vascular (artery) Disease
– Severe congestive heart failure
– Anatomy prone to clotting
– Deep vein thromposis
– Uncontrolled Atrial Fibrillation (heart rate >100 BPM)
– Uncontrolled arrhythmias
– Tachycardia or high heart rate above 110 BPM
– Uncontrolled Blood Pressure (Systolic ≥ 180, Diastolic ≥ 110)
– Patients undergoing anti-coagulation Therapy (Coumadin or Heparin) with PT>15
– Severe pulmonary disease (safety data on severe pulmonary HTN unavailable)
– Local infection or Vasculitis of the extremities
– Burn, wound or fracture on any limb subject to treatment
– Pregnancy
Contact us for more information about ECP
