What is the Difference between ECP and EECP Therapy?
EECP and ECP Therapy are NOT two different treatments. This is false. EECP and ECP Therapy are the same mechanical function inflating pneumatic cuffs in a mechanical sequence starting at the calves, thighs then the buttocks gated on the patients heart rate. EECP and ECP Therapy are both forms of External Counterpulsation Therapy much like Mercedes and BMW are both modes of safe & effective transportation. Both will get you from one place to another comfortably with high performance capabilities. The arguable difference is the driver.
EECP is “Enhanced” in the brand only as all of the cleared devices on the market function in the same format as the trademarked brand of ‘EECP’ systems. All External Counterpulsation Therapy device (whether EECP or ECP brand) inflate pneumatic (air) cuffs in a sequential order (calf, thigh, buttocks). As a matter of fact, the two prominent players in the External Counterpulsation Therapy market (ACS & Vasomedical) use the same compressor (pump) in multiple model (EECP or ECP) units to generate the pressure delivered to all extremities during treatment. External Counterpulsation Therapy is not complicated science. The timing / delivery is more dependent on the therapist administering the treatment than the brand device the patient is on.
Is EECP Therapy more effective than ECP Therapy?
As mentioned above, patient outcomes for EECP and ECP Therapy are dependent on several variable.. Patient physiology is key. Think of simple physicis.. Patients with larger vasculature tend to have more significant changes in blood flow. Patients with less ‘vasculature’ to squeeze will generate less blood flow. All research indicates that the increase in pressure (flow) during diastole is the key factor in effective treatment. If there is less blood volume available to squeeze, how can you achieve high levels of pressure (flow) during diastole?
The other considerable variable is the efficiency of treatment. If the administration of treatment for EECP or ECP therapy were to remain constant, is it possible that there can be a variation in patient outcomes? YES of course!!
The critical factor for effective treatment is the amount of pressure delivered to each patient and the inflation and deflation timing delivered to the patient over the 35 hours treatment session. These variables are far more significant to patient outcomes than what system is used. In fact, many dispute that ‘ECP’ technology is more efficient that ‘EECP’ technology because their user-interface provides empirical data (minute by minute) that is critical for optimizing the treatment variables if pressure & inflation / deflation timing.
As a general rule… Use common sense. EECP and ECP are both effective treatment if used appropriately. It is time for unity in the industry!
Who Performed the Clinical Research for External Counterpulsation (EECP and ECP) Therapy
It is very important to point out that Vasomedical (the “EECP” company) was indeed the pioneer of External Counterpulsation Therapy (EECP Therapy) worldwide. Vasomedical is the company that deserves most of the credit for paving the way for External Counterpulsation Therapy as we know it today in the U.S. Vasomedical is responsible for making ECP and EECP™ Therapy a viable treatment option for patients with Angina, Congestive Heart Failure and other medical conditions.
