Who is a Candidate for ECP ? >>

Many patients have questions about whether or not they are candidates for ECP. Since it is a non-invasive and completely safe therapy, the good news is that everyone is a candidate for ECP.
 
  1. ECP is especially appropriate for nearly all those who suffer from heart disease.
  2. This includes individuals who have irregular heartbeats or pacemakers, patients who have recently undergone invasive cardiac procedures, individuals with blood clots in their legs, people who take Coumadin, and those who suffer from peripheral vascular disease.
  3. There is no risk that ECP can cause a defibrillator or a pacemaker to malfunction, or that this treatment will cause any irregularities in heart rhythm.
  4. Patients who have received recent angioplasty, surgery for stent placement, or cardiac catheterization can receive ECP without risk and can start treatments as early as one week following these procedures, when groin tenderness has subsided.
  5. Those suffering from poor leg circulation from peripheral vascular disease will also do well with ECP, although it may take a longer time period for them to see results, because of a smaller volume of blood in the lower extremities to pump back toward the heart.
  6. In addition to helping patients with heart disease, ECP is ideal for people who wish to improve their level of cardiovascular health and fitness.
Are There Risks To Receiving ECP?
While there are no dangers or risks involved in receiving ECP, there are certain conditions that require caution when considering this therapy:
 

1. Severe aortic insufficiency
2. An abdominal aortic aneurysm greater than 5 cm in diameter
3. Malignant Hypertension
4. Deep vein thrombosis
5. Hemophilia
6. Pregnancy
7. Fever
8. An open leg wound
9. Superficial phlebitis
The majority of these conditions are either temporary or treatable, and ECP can be initiated once they have resolved or been treated.