New vascular pathways
New small vessels bypass narrowings.
New vascular pathways and EECP in brief.
During treatment, the repeated pressure waves can let new, small blood vessels grow that naturally bypass narrowed sections.
When new vascular pathways become relevant.
- Narrowings that cannot be treated well
- A vessel is blocked, the muscle is supplied via detours
- Symptoms despite open main vessels
- Exercise capacity should improve through the body's own vascular network
- You want to use the body's self-healing capacity
What collateral vessels are and how they form.
The body can bypass narrowed sections of vessel naturally by using and developing fine connecting vessels. These bypass vessels are known as collateral vessels. They are the body's own route to better blood flow.
How EECP can complement exercise and treatment.
The body can form collateral vessels. When a vessel closes slowly, fine connecting vessels take over part of the supply. Exercise supports this process best. That remains true. Those who can hardly exert themselves because of symptoms have few options, though. Here EECP Cardio Pulse can complement: it generates the necessary flow passively, while you lie down.
How EECP can support the growth of collateral vessels.
EECP Cardio Pulse increases flow and shear stress in the blood vessels. In response to this shear stress, the vessels adapt. Collateral vessels are put to use and can grow, gently and from the outside.
When EECP can make sense for new vascular pathways.
Chronic narrowing or blockage
A section cannot be opened. Collateral vessels are then the route the body itself uses.
Symptoms despite treatment
Medication is in place, procedures have been carried out or are not possible. The body's own vascular network should do more.
Alongside exercise
You train as well as you can. EECP Cardio Pulse can complement the flow stimulus that training provides.
What speaks for EECP for new vascular pathways.
Aim: make greater use of collateral vessels
Uses the natural pull of the flowing blood
Aim: better blood flow via the body's own pathways
Lasting effect of EECP therapy: new pathways remain.
Collateral vessels that have once developed remain and continue to supply the tissue beyond the narrowing, even long after the last session. Exercise helps keep these pathways in use.
What EECP does not do for collateral vessels.
How many collateral vessels form cannot be predicted. Nor can it be promised. A closed vessel stays closed. Whether a procedure is necessary is decided by our heart specialists on the basis of the findings. EECP Cardio Pulse supports the body's own vascular network. It can be combined with everything else.
Using everything, leaving nothing out.
Our philosophy: use every option in cardiology – including the body's own natural powers. EECP Cardio Pulse sets targeted flow stimuli and supports the vascular system's capacity to adapt. Entirely without a procedure, complementing conventional cardiology. As much as necessary, as gentle as possible.
Your path with EECP Cardio Pulse.
- 01
Cardio Check-Up
cardiac diagnostics.
- 02
First session
One hour lying down.
- 03
Series
35 sessions, one hour each.
- 04
Final check-up
The check-up.
View related research
A randomised, sham-controlled trial of 42 patients with coronary artery disease showed that EECP improves flow-mediated dilation, a measure of vascular adaptability closely linked to shear stress. The growth of bypass vessels itself was not measured there; it is the physiologically plausible pathway behind it.
Braith RW, Conti CR, Nichols WW, et al. Enhanced external counterpulsation improves peripheral artery flow-mediated dilation in patients with chronic angina: a randomized sham-controlled study. Circulation. 2010;122(16):1612–1620. PMID 20921442
Questions about EECP and new vascular pathways.
What are collateral vessels?
Fine connecting vessels with which the body can bypass narrowed sections. They are also called collateral vessels, and their growth is called angiogenesis. They are already there, but are only used and enlarged more when a vessel delivers too little over a longer period.
Can new vascular pathways really form?
The body can make more use of existing fine vessels and develop them, and that is well documented. The stronger flow with EECP Cardio Pulse, that is more pull of the blood on the vessel lining, supports this natural path. Growth under EECP has not been measured directly so far; what has been measured is the better vascular function.
Why is EECP given as a course?
The adaptation of the vessels takes time. A single flow stimulus changes nothing, but many over several weeks do. That is why EECP Cardio Pulse is carried out with around 35 sessions over about seven weeks.
Can you see whether collateral vessels have formed?
In cardiac catheterisation or imaging, larger collateral vessels are partly visible, the finest connections are not. In everyday life, what counts is whether exertion becomes easier. Studies therefore measure exercise capacity, not the number of vessels.
Can I support the formation of collateral vessels myself?
Regular exercise within the symptom-free range is the most important contribution, along with stopping smoking and well-controlled blood values. EECP Cardio Pulse complements this by passively increasing the flow in the vessels, even when exercise is only possible to a limited extent.
General information, not a promise of cure. Whether EECP is suitable for you is something we clarify after a cardiac examination.
Just give us a call.
We answer your questions and arrange an appointment together.
Private service under the GOÄ fee schedule: about 100 euros per session.