ECP vs. EECP®

There has been much discussion in the world of cardiac medicine as to the differences between EECP® (Enhanced External Counter Pulsation) and that of ECP (External Counter Pulsation). Many incorrectly assume that EECP® is an improved version of Cardiomedics, Inc.'s CardiAssistT ECP system and thereby provides more therapeutic value to a cardiac patient.

The official governmental definition for both EECP® and ECP is exactly the same and is defined as a non-invasive treatment for patients with coronary artery disease that suffer with angina (chest pain), congestive heart failure (CHF), cardiogenic shock, and myocardial infarction. Coverage for ECP is provided only for patients who are diagnosed with angina (class III or Class IV or equivalent classification) and who, in the opinion of a cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon, are not readily amendable to surgical intervention.

EECP® is a trademark of one ECP manufacturer and is nothing more than a marketing term. There are also ECP companies who are now promoting SECP (Super External Counter Pulsation) systems, which are standard ECP systems with the term "super" being merely a marketing ploy.

All commercially available ECP systems are the same in that they pump the calves, thighs and buttocks of patients. But unlike other systems, Cardiomedics, Inc. has improved theirs with the addition of a graduated regimen and a CardioComfortT setting. All this plus the fact that Cardiomedics, Inc. proudly manufactures their entire product in the U.S. makes Cardiomedics, Inc.'s CardiAssistT the one truly "enhanced" ECP system.

Learn More about ECP
The History of ECP