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Chest Pain

Enhanced External Counterpulsation

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive therapy for relief of heart disease symptoms such as chronic chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue. University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center in Ashland, Ohio, is one of only four sites in the state of Ohio providing this treatment option, with over 15 years of experience.

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Call 419-207-2494 Location
UH Samaritan Medical Center
1025 Center Street, Ashland, OH 44805

What Is EECP?

EECP is an FDA-approved noninvasive treatment that uses specialized equipment to improve blood flow and promote the development of new blood vessels in the heart, a process called angiogenesis. By increasing the flow of oxygenated blood to the heart, EECP improves overall heart function and helps new blood vessels grow (collateral circulation) to naturally bypass blocked arteries.

Benefits of EECP

Reduced Symptoms

Experience less shortness of breath and fatigue during daily activities and relieve other heart disease symptoms.

Nonsurgical Option

EECP is a nonsurgical outpatient procedure that does not require you to take medication or get blood work.

Improved Quality of Life

More oxygenated blood reaching your heart means getting back to activities you thought you might “never do again.”

More Activity Without Pain

Walk with confidence, climb stairs and get back to doing more activities without chest pain or shortness of breath.

Candidates for EECP

The procedure is particularly effective for people who:

  • Have had coronary angioplasty, stents or coronary artery bypass graft surgery, but their heart disease symptoms have returned.
  • Are not candidates for surgery because of other medical conditions.
  • Have diabetes.
  • Have small blood vessels (often women).
  • Rely on medications to otherwise control their symptoms.

What to Expect

EECP therapy takes about 35 hours total, with patients participating in daily one-hour sessions (Monday through Friday) for seven weeks.

During each EECP treatment session, you’ll be comfortably positioned on a specialized treatment bed. Inflatable cuffs will be wrapped around your legs. These cuffs will inflate and deflate in sync with your heart’s rhythm to create an effect called counterpulsation that increases blood flow to the heart muscle.

Conditions That May Exclude EECP as a Treatment Option

EECP should not be used to treat patients with:

  • Arrhythmias that interfere with machine triggering.
  • Bleeding diathesis.
  • Active thrombophlebitis.
  • Severe lower extremity vaso-occlusive disease.
  • A documented aortic aneurysm requiring surgical repair.
  • Pregnancy.