Muscular Counterpulsation Used to Improve Cardiac Function

A noninvasive, electrocardiogram- (ECG)-triggered support system improves circulation and recovery in postsurgical chronic heart failure (CHF) patients.

Researchers from Marji Medical Center (Tbilisi, Georgia) conducted a study of 50 patients (mean age 54) who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery who were then randomized into two groups; a treatment group (30 patients) who underwent muscular counterpulsation (MCP) treatment for 30 minutes daily for the eight initial postoperative days, in addition to standard therapy, and a control group (20 patients) who received standard postoperative treatment alone. In all patients, a resting ECG, two-dimensional echocardiography, and impedance plethysmography of the forearm were carried out pre-CABG and on the eighth postoperative day.

The study results showed that MCP treatment resulted in a 36% decrease of systemic vascular resistance, compared to a 16% decrease in the control group. Postoperative complications occurred in just one patient of the MCP treatment group, compared to seven (39%) of the control group. In addition, compared to the control group, patients in the MCP treatment group had a 28% shorter postoperative hospital stay than in the control group.

For the study, the researchers used the m.pulse MCP device, a battery-powered, cell phone-sized device that the patient attaches to his belt for about 45 minutes per treatment. The device is synchronized to his cardiac cycle to stimulate the muscles of the calves and thighs, making them contract counter to the heart's beating, resulting in increased blood flow to the heart muscle, while decreasing the heart's workload. The m.pulse device is a product of Cardiola (Winterthur, Switzerland). The results of the study were published in the published in the March-April 2009 issue of the Journal of Cardiac Surgery.

"MCP represents a new, noninvasive, ECG-triggered circulation support system, which is effective for achieving hemodynamic improvement via afterload reduction," said lead author cardiac surgeon Larry Lapanashvili, M.D. "The use of MCP decreases postoperative complications and significantly shortens the hospital stay."

"We are very pleased with the results of this study, which demonstrate that MCP--the proprietary technology platform of our patented m.pulse device--facilitates timely and effective therapy, improving clinical outcomes of CHF patients," said Christof Lenz, CEO of Cardiola. "Our m.pulse system offers patients a well-validated, affordable, and nonsurgical treatment alternative that they themselves can perform in their own home."

Related Links:
Cardiola