EECP is a noninvasive procedure in which a set of inflatable cuffs mechanically compress the blood vessels in the patient's lower limbs to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries of the heart. The blood pressure cuffs are wrapped around the patient's arms, calves, thighs, and buttocks. Computer technology, electrocardiography, and blood pressure monitors enable the accurate timing of gentle but firm inflation and deflation of the pressure cuffs with the patient's heartbeat and blood pressure.
EECP is performed to restore blood flow to the heart and to relieve chest pain (angina) and ischemia. The goals of the procedure are to relieve symptoms of coronary artery disease, enable the patient to resume a normal lifestyle, and lower the risk of a heart attack or other heart problems. EECP may encourage blood vessels to open small channels (called collaterals) to eventually bypass blocked vessels and improve blood flow to the heart.
Even Post CABG (Bypass) and PTCA (Angioplasty) patient can also be benefited by the EECP treatment.