Emma Clare Med SPA
Counterpulsation Cardio
Counterpulsation therapy (EECP or ECP) is a safe, non-invasive, out-patient based treatment. In the USA it has been approved for use by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) since 1995.
In 2013 it was recommended for use in refractory angina by the European Society of Cardiology. In 2017 the Renew Tm NCP-5 External Counterpulsation cardiac bed was awarded the European Union level 2a medical device CE mark. Almost any adult with a heart problem can have counterpulsation therapy and there is no upper age limit. It is particularly beneficial to cardiac patients who continue to experience angina following bypass surgery or stents. This is often called chronic stable angina. This happens because although the large vessels have been opened by angioplasty or blockages by-passed by surgery the microscopic vessels within the heart muscle are blocked, leading to a lack of oxygen which in turn causes chest pain.
25+ Years Of Experience
Pre-treatment screening
Pre- treatment screening requires a review of the individual’s cardiac history and previously undertaken cardiac investigations. The therapy will require the support and supervision of a consultant cardiologist. This may be your local cardiologist or the counterpulsation specialist cardiologist who will liaise with your own specialist during the 35 hours course of counterpulsation therapy.
Some individuals may not be suitable for treatment. Cardiac patients with significant aortic regurgitation, untreated aortic aneurysms or occlusion of the major leg arteries cannot have this treatment.
Side effects
Counterpulsation therapy has very few side effects.
Discomfort from cuff placement can easily be resolved with extra padding or a change of cuff position.
Rarely, in the first few days after treatment, cardiac patients may experience a change or an increase in chest pain. Any change will be discussed with the cardiologist and appropriate action taken.
Patients who have not exercised for a long time sometimes experience aching muscles in the first week of treatment. This is similar to starting any new form of exercise.
FAQs Counterpulsation Cardio
My Doctor is not aware of this treatment- why is this?
Counterpulsation has been used in the USA and the Far East for many years but is relatively new in Europe. The first UK treatment centres were opened in 2004. In the USA there are machines in many of the large cardiology centres including; The Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins,The Cleveland Clinic and Stonybrook Hospital New York . There are also many smaller treatment centres throughout the country.
How can my Doctor get information?
We can send an information pack to discuss with your doctor and our Consultant Cardiologist is happy to give advice to other physicians.
Counterpulsation Ltd
Statement of purpose
To promote cardiac health via External Counterpulsation,( ECP) an innovative outpatient treatment which improves cardiac blood flow.
ECP is FDA and European Society of Cardiology level 2a approved
To provide a high standard of individualized care, in a friendly and professional environment, taking in to account patient preference, age, gender, religious views and cultural diversities. All clients have a pre-treatment personalized screening program to determine their suitability.
To improve the quality of life and exercise tolerance in patients suffering from chronic stable angina. The service is designed and supervised by consultant cardiologists to ensure that all service users receive care that is appropriate and safe. To treat other forms of cardiac disease that are deemed suitable for ECP by a consultant cardiologist.
To offer ECP to noncardiac wellness clients who wish to improve their general health and well-being.
Appropriate individualized health screening will be undertaken prior to treatment commencing.
ECP can also be used to aid sportsmen and women as part of a training programme. Pre treatment screening is required.
Our Objectives
- To develop the understanding and use of ECP in cardiac patients.
- To offer ECP to clients who wish to improve their health and wellness.
- To involve our clients by seeking their views on all aspects of how we run our service and respond by making improvements that reflect their observations and suggestions.
- To constantly strive to improve the quality of the services we provide.
- To ensure that the delivery of our services is understood and accessible to all clients, irrespective of cultural and ethnic diversity and disability.
- To demonstrate excellent clinical governance.