03/02/2017
Is EECP a manual controlled system? How does EECP work?
No, EECP is a computer controlled system that applies external pressure to the patients's lower extremities in synchronization with the patient's cardiac cycle When the heart is in its relaxed state(diastole), pressure is applied sequentially, distal to proximal, from the lower legs(calves) to the lower thighs and then the upper thighs and buttocks. A retrograde pressure wave is created, increasing diastolic blood pressure (diastolic augmentation), coronary perfusion pressure and coronary blood flow. Compression of the lower extremities also increases venous return to the heart. Just before systole, the cuffs deflates simultaneously, reducing peripheral vascular resistance, improving systolic unloading and decreasing cardiac workload.