CAD is a chronic inflammatory disease commonly treated with invasive coronary revascularization via percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Both procedures are aimed at relieving patients’ symptoms, but do not cure CAD or even prevent heart attacks.
Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is offered as a non-invasive alternative to revascularization procedures. During EECP the blood flowing to your heart will naturally bypass arteries with significant plaque, and instead enter healthy, non-diseased blood vessels, circumnavigating blockages. In time, these new pathways are reinforced and become lasting routes for blood to reach your heart beyond the blockages. This is why EECP is often referred to as a “natural bypass.”
COMPARISON OF TREATMENT OPTIONS
Angioplasty with stenting (PCI) |
EECP |
 |
 |
| The (“guilty”) the most severe stenosisis treated, while other stenosis are left untreated. | All stenosis (mild to severe) and the areas involving infarction receive therapy. |
| May require additional PCI or coronary bypass surgery. | Sustained benefits in the short- and long-term. |
| Invasive. Performed in cardiac catheterization lab. Operator-dependent. | Noninvasive. Performed in physician’s office. Not operator-dependent. |
| Drugs (inhibitors of platelet aggregation, in addition to aspirin) are advised. | N/A |
| High cost and resources required. | Low cost and limited resources required. |