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How does ECP treatment work? |
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Normal heart function depends on maintaining a balance between oxygen supply and demand. Oxygen consumption by the cardiac muscle is determined by how fast your heart is beating and how well it pumps. The amount of oxygen available is determined by blood flow. Approximately 80 percent of the blood flow to the cardiac muscle tissue occurs when the heart is resting.
Clinical studies indicate that ECP treatment may create a 'natural' bypass of blocked arteries. ECP treatment encourages blood vessels to open or form small channels that become extra branches. These channels or collaterals may eventually become permanent pathways to the heart muscle that was previously deprived of blood flow and adequate oxygen. |
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Are there downsides to the procedure? |
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The length of treatment may be a consideration for some people. It can take between four to seven weeks to complete a course of ECP® treatment. During that time, patients must visit an outpatient clinic and receive treatment for one to two hours per day. Some patients with more extensive disease may require more than one course of therapy to achieve optimal relief |
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What have studies shown about ECP treatment? |
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Clinical studies have shown that ECP treatment is an effective treatment for Angina. A randomized, controlled, blind study showed a significant increase in the length of time that participants, who had received active treatment, were able to exercise. Additionally, participants who received active treatment experienced fewer attacks of Angina.
Studies have demonstrated benefits including |
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Elimination or decrease in exercise |
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induced signs of lack of oxygen to the heart muscle (ischemia). |
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Increased exercise tolerance |
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Elimination or decrease in episodes of Angina |
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Decrease in need for anti-Anginal medication. |
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Would I feel better after having ECP treatment |
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Patients can walk farther, carry heavier packages and be more active without having Angina |
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Patients have fewer attacks of Angina |
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Episodes of Angina are less painful |
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Patients need less anti-Anginal medication |
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Patients can return to work, go out to dinner, garden, travel or enjoy golf, tennis or bowling once again |
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Patients feel more confident about participating in their social lives, volunteer activities and exercise without interference from Angina. |
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What are the risks? |
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Some patients have experience minor skin irritation due to the pressure of the cuffs. You should consult with your physician regarding any risk and complication factors. |
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Does ECP treatment eliminate the need for bypass surgery? |
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Unlike procedures such as bypass surgery and balloon Angioplasty, ECP treatment is administered in outpatient session, carries little or no risk, and is relatively comfortable.
Some patient with more extensive disease or who have disease of the left main coronary artery may require bypass surgery. ECP treatment is an option for patients who are unsuitable for invasive procedures or unwilling to undergo them. For patients who have undergone multiple invasive procedures and for whom additional surgery carries excessive risk, ECP treatment may be the only way to obtain relief from crippling Angina. |
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How often will I be treated? |
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Patients typically attend one-hour treatment sessions once a day, five days a week, for seven weeks. Many people have continued their employment while receiving treatment by scheduling their session before or after work. Patients with extensive atherosclerotic disease may require more than 35 hours of treatment to achieve optimal benefit. |
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How long has ECP treatment been used to treat Angina? |
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In 1989, researchers at State University of New York at stony brook began clinical studies of ECP treatment. Until the summer of 1995 ECP therapy was only available to patients participating in clinical studies. Today ECP treatment is available at treatment centers throughout the World. |
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For what are the conditions FDA has cleared NICORE ECP? |
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Refractory Angina. |
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Refractory Congestive heart failure. |
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Cardiogenic Shock |
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Myocardial Infarction. |
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What is the longest follow up study data available to show the benefit of ECP treatment? |
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Data reported in the April 2000 issue of Clinical Cardiology showed a five-year survival rate for those who respond to ECP therapy of 88%, a rate similar to those seen in contemporary surgical bypass and angioplasty trials, despite the fact that many of the patients who underwent ECP therapy had already failed previous attempts at revascularization. |
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