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Your questions get answered

Many people hearing of ECP for the first time have many questions about the technology. Here are some of the frequently asked questions. We suggest you visit our extensive library in the general patient section for in depth coverage of the procedure.

Q. How does ECP work?

You will be lying comfortably on a bed and fitted with a series of pressure cuffs on the calves, thighs, and hips. These cuffs are connected to a computer which will rapidly inflate and deflate the cuffs in synchronization with your EKG (heart rhythm). The cuffs inflate while the heart is at rest, supplying it with extra oxygen-rich blood. The cuffs deflate just before the heart begins to beat again.

Researchers believe the pressure of this extra blood supply stimulates the growth of collateral blood vessels that naturally bypass the arterial obstruction, without the need for surgery.

Q. How does ECP compare to other invasive surgery procedures such as angioplasty and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)?

A. ECP can be a highly effective treatment for many patients with coronary artery disease. Unlike angioplasty or bypass surgery, ECP is a non invasive and can therefore be done on an outpatient basis. In a recent study the five-year outcomes for ECP patients were virtually the same as for angioplasty and bypass patients.

Q. How effective is the treatment?

A. Up to 80% of patients experience significant improvement in their condition after ECP treatment. Patients often report that their chest pain has diminished or ceased altogether, that they have greater energy and stamina, that they need less medication, and that they are able to more fully participate in life.

Q. Do the benefits last?

A. In patients followed for three years after the initial studies, the benefits of ECP had lasted. Some patients however, may require repeat treatment a year later in order to maintain the improvement. These cases are covered by most insurers as well.

Q. Are there any risks or side effects?

A. ECP carries little or no risk. Some patients experience a bit more fatigue at the beginning, but this usually goes away after the first few treatments. In fact, patients typically feel energized by the treatment.

Q. How long does it take?

A. The standard course of treatment is one hour a day for thirty-five sessions (about six or seven weeks).

Q. Does insurance cover this?

A. EECP is covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans. Your reimbursement rate depends on your plan and coverage. Medicare coverage is typically 80% of the usual & customary rate for procedure based treatment such as ECP. If you have suppementary insurance your entire balance might be paid for by insurance. Check with your insurance carrier and physician/ECP center for further information.

Q. Is this FDA approved? What kind of research has been done on it?

A. ECP is approved by the FDA for the treatment of Angina and Congestive Heart Failure. It has undergone rigorous clinical trials at leading universities around the country and ECP has been the subject of scientific studies published in leading medical journals.

Q. Is ECP right for me?

A. Patients with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease or chronic stable angina are likely candidates for this treatment. It is particularly suitable for patients who have undergone previous invasive procedures without lasting relief, patients who are not appropriate surgical candidates because of risk factors, or patients who want to avoid surgery.

Q. I have a pacemaker. Would that rule out ECP for me?

A. Pacemakers are not a problem. They do not prevent patients from receiving ECP therapy.

Q. Where is ECP offered in my area?

A. MSO has launched an ECP referral service. Click here for more information, or call us at (201) 670-9999 for more information.

Q. I have Congestive Heart Failure. Will ECP help my condition?

A. Yes. In fact, after lengthy review of numerous double-blind studies, the FDA recently approved ECP Therapy for the treatment of Congestive Heart Failure. These studies proved that ECP Therapy was a safe and effective treatment for CHF. Moreover, ECP is the only treatment that actually improves the condition of the heart. Other treatments simply provide management of symptoms.