EECP: Contraindications

- Cardiac catheterization within two weeks to minimize the likelihood of bleeding at the femoral puncture site.

- Arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or ventricular tachycardia, might interfere with triggering the system.

- Uncontrolled congestive heart failure may result in left ventricular unloading insufficient to compensate for increased venous return during EECP.

- Aortic insufficiency where regurgitation would prevent diastolic augmentation.

- Limiting peripheral vascular disease and/or phlebitis because of increased risk of thromboembolus. Severe condition can compromise effective counterpulsation.

- Severe hypertension (less than180/110 mmhg) because EECP could produce diastolic blood pressure levels surpassing limits.

- Bleeding diathesis, warfarin therapy because cuff pressure could cause intramuscular bleeding.

- Pregnancy.

^Precautions

Therapy should be terminated if any of the following events occur during the course of treatment:

- acute myocardial infarction;

- sustained arrhythmia;

- unstable anginal pattern that warrants additional therapy.