External Counterpulsation (ECP) provides an opportunity to treat and improve the quality-of-life for angina and CHF patients who don’t respond well to medications or are not candidates for surgery.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that ECP therapy is beneficial for more than 80% of patients treated, helping them reduce symptoms, increase functional capacity and minimize dependence on medications. Long-term benefits, such as improved exercise tolerance, have been shown to be sustained over several years.
ECP treatment normally consists of 35 hours of therapy, administered one hour per day, five days a week for seven weeks. It can be performed in an outpatient hospital setting or in a physician’s office. Pressure cuffs on the legs are inflated in sequence, synchronized to the patient’s heartbeat. As a result, blood vessels in the legs are gently compressed and increased blood flow is forced back to the heart with greater pressure. The procedure is completely painless and patients can read, watch television, sleep or talk to a companion for the hour.
Most patients begin to experience relief from their angina symptoms after three or four weeks. Because ECP is totally non-invasive and non-pharmacological, the risks associated with the treatment are extremely low. The most commonly reported side effects are skin irritation, bruising or temporary muscle aches, resulting from the inflating and deflating action of the pressure cuffs.
ECP Technology
ScottCare’s product development philosophy involves utilizing client feedback and the latest technologies to create solutions that benefit both patients and clinicians. The result of this approach is ViaCare, the industry’s latest and most technically and clinically advanced ECP device that offers everything you need for safe and effective ECP therapy, as well as efficient data collection, analysis and integration with your information system and EMR.
With over eight years of experience in this market, ScottCare provides you with the ideal mix of innovative technology, post-sale support, extensive warranties and financial stability to help your practice grow and evolve. For instance, ScottCare’s exclusive technologies, including Active Deflation, Therma Cool, Automatic Peak-to-Peak Calculations and TelePort remote services, set the standard for patient comfort and dependability. In addition, design enhancements provide a clean, modern look while improving flexibility, portability and ease-of-use. No other ECP equipment manufacturer provides the total package to support your practice.
Facing cardiac treatment is a frightening prospect for many patients, especially those who are in poor health and unable to handle invasive treatment methods. Therefore, numerous features ensure the patient is safe, comfortable and at ease during this highly-effective procedure. As a result, they are more likely to complete the program, benefiting themselves and your practice.
Active Deflation efficiently evacuates air from the cuffs with the most complete deflation, allowing uninhibited retrograde blood flow to the lower extremities. This progressive technology results in improved patient comfort and maximum therapy delivery, even for patients with higher heart rates.
Therma Cool technology ensures the cuffs are cool and comfortable for the patient. Continuously adjustable backrest adjusts to the ideal treatment position for angina (0 degrees) or heart failure (30 degrees) or up to 45 degrees.