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EECP (Enhanced External Counter Pulsation)

Close-up of a patient's hand with a pulse oximeter attached to a finger and an IV catheter line inserted during a medical procedure at Riverside Cardiology Associates.
What is EECP?

For patients suffering from symptomatic coronary artery disease and angina, traditional treatments such as coronary bypass surgery, stenting, and medications may not always provide sufficient relief or may not be suitable for everyone. In these instances, we offer Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP), a non-invasive treatment that may help relieve angina symptoms for some patients when other treatments haven’t brought enough relief. Your cardiologist will tell you whether it’s a good option for you.

How it Works:

EECP involves placing inflatable cuffs on the lower legs, thighs, and abdomen. These cuffs inflate sequentially between heartbeats, pushing blood from the lower extremities back into the aorta. This increases blood flow to the coronary arteries while the heart is at rest. When the cuffs deflate, the heart has less work to do, allowing it to pump blood more easily.

Benefits
  • Improved Blood Flow: EECP enhances circulation to the heart, crucial for coronary artery disease patients.
  • Reduced Symptoms: Some patients notice less chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue during daily activities. Results vary from person to person.
  • Less Effort for the Heart: The therapy reduces the heart’s workload, improving its efficiency.
  • Enhanced Wellbeing: Some patients report being able to do more of their usual activities after a full course of treatment. Results vary.
Treatment Protocol

Treatment takes one hour a day, five days a week, for about seven weeks (35 sessions). During each session, the patient relaxes while the cuffs inflate and deflate. This non-invasive procedure requires no surgery or medication and fits easily into the patient’s routine.

Coverage

Medicare covers EECP for patients who meet its medical criteria, and some other plans do too. Our billing team can check your coverage before you start. Call 951-686-3600, ext. 105.

Why Choose EECP?
  • Non-Invasive: A non-surgical, drug-free treatment with no incisions required.
  • An Option for Hard-to-Treat Angina: EECP is used for patients whose angina continues despite medicines, stents, or bypass surgery.
  • Close to Home: We offer EECP in our Riverside office on Brockton Avenue, so patients from across the Inland Empire can be treated close to home.

At RCA, we offer EECP as a comprehensive treatment option for heart disease, providing relief when other methods have not been effective.