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Enhanced external counterpulsation: mechanisms of action and clinical applications

Vasiliki Kitsou1, Theodoros Xanthos, Robin Roberts

  • 1Department of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, University of Athens, Greece.

Acta Cardiologica
|May 13, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a safe and effective non-invasive treatment for coronary artery disease and heart failure. This therapy improves patient quality of life and shows promise for other cardiac conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Devices
  • Non-invasive Therapies

Background:

  • Symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF) are prevalent conditions.
  • Optimal medical and revascularisation treatments do not fully manage a significant patient subset.
  • Non-pharmacological, non-invasive options are sought for refractory cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) as a treatment modality.
  • To explore EECP's role in managing ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, and cardiac syndrome X.
  • To assess EECP's potential beyond traditional heart disease indications.

Main Methods:

  • EECP involves sequential inflation/deflation of pneumatic leg cuffs synchronized with the cardiac cycle.
  • Administered in an outpatient setting.
  • Clinical trials have assessed EECP in patients with ischaemic heart disease and heart failure.

Main Results:

  • Numerous trials demonstrate EECP is safe and effective for ischaemic heart disease, improving quality of life.
  • EECP shows benefit as adjunctive therapy in heart failure of any aetiology.
  • Cardiac syndrome X has been effectively treated with EECP.

Conclusions:

  • EECP is a highly effective non-invasive treatment for symptomatic CAD and HF.
  • EECP improves quality of life in patients with ischaemic heart disease.
  • Further sham-controlled trials are needed to solidify EECP's place in medical practice.

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