ECP and EECP Therapy Systems (mechanical process)
All ECP and EECP Systems that inflates and deflates three sets of pneumatic cuffs. The microprocessor’s primary function is to serve as an R-wave detector, calculate the R-wave rate (heart rate), and deliver triggering signals to engage the valves. This allows the air cuffs to be filled and then emptied. The air cuffs are wrapped securely around the patient’s calves, thighs and buttocks to provide sequential compression of the vascular beds. The system generally detect three consecutive R-waves (normal rhythm) before it can predict the next R-wave. Once this pattern is established, the system begins the inflation and deflation sequence. This ensures that inflation and deflation of the cuffs occurs ONLY during ventricular diastole.
As diastole begins the inflation sequence generates an arterial counterpulsation wave that increases blood flow and coronary perfusion pressure. The compression sequence also improves the venous return and cardiac output. The inflation cycle begins at the start of diastole after the referenced R-wave. At defined intervals, the cuffs begin to inflate sequentially from distal to proximal (calves, thighs, buttocks). Pressure is maintained until the deflation trigger opens the valves and releases pressure in all cuffs. Simultaneous cuff deflation begins just prior to the next R-wave.
External Counterpulsation Device Inflation Process:
The inflation sequence occurs during diastole, the heart’s resting phase. Within the venous system, the compression of the vascular beds augments venous return, delivering a larger volume of blood to the heart. This increases cardiac preload. In the arterial system, the vascular compression generates a rise in peak diastolic ressure. As a result, there is an increase in blood flow and coronary perfusion pressure. Increasing the supply of highly oxygenated blood to the myocardium (increased MVO2) may be beneficial to certain cardiac patients.
Deflation Process of ECP and EECP:
At the end of diastole, just prior to the next QRS complex, the deflation valves open. The cuffs simultaneously deflate for approximately 150 milliseconds. Since the vascular beds of the lower extremities were effectively compressed during cuff inflation, the rapid cuff deflation reduces the end diastolic pressure and allows the vascular beds to readily accept the increased ventricular output. The effect reduces cardiac afterload, thereby decreasing myocardial oxygen demand.
ECP and EECP Patient Benefits are experienced far beyond the scope of what occurs during actual treatment. This mechanical process creates a change in the vascular system that has benefits that can sustain for 5 years or more. External Counterpulsation Therapy and EECP Therapy may appear complicated when your closely analyze the mechanical function but in reality, the treatment principles are quite simple. This is a natural way of healing!
