Muscular counterpulsation: preliminary results of a non-invasive alternative to intra-aortic balloon pump*1

Abstract

MCP and IABP had the same effects on CO and LVSWI. Moreover, MCP reduced SVR and increased the peripheral circulation without requiring any vascular access nor anticoagulation therapy.

Therapeutic Value of Muscular Counterpulsation After Coronary Bypass Grafting Operation

“…External counterpulsation is a noninvasive method of assisted circulation. It is based on the ability to transform peripheral vessel resistance from being static to dynamic as well as to synchronize it with the heartbeat in a counterpulsation mode from “systole to diastole.” 8,9 …”

“…This enables the muscles to recover between consecutive contractions. Thus, the heart is assisted during every beat (1:1 mode) by four different groups of muscles that were stimulated once every fourth beat (1:4 mode) 6‐11 . The stimulation protocol was designed to give sufficient support of the heart without symptoms of muscle fatigue.…”

“…Based on our previous studies, 10 to 20 minutes of acute MCP is associated with a positive hemodynamic response 8,9 . Consequently, the treatment group had daily MCP treatment for 30 minutes during the initial 8 postoperative days.…”

“…The transmitter electrodes delivered short trains (about 100 ms long) of tetanizing (400 Hz), biphasic impulses. [6][7][8][9] MCP was performed using six skin adhesive stimulation electrodes: four active electrodes were located on the front and medial surfaces of both thighs, and two passive electrodes were placed on the abdomen. The entire stimulation area was subdivided into four zones that were consecutively activated with every heartbeat.…”

An alternative to enhanced external counterpulsation: A pilot study of ECG-driven sequential muscle stimulation

“…However, if EMS in lower body can improve cardiac circulation remains unknown. Lapanashivili et al proposed a method called muscular counterpulsation (MCP), attempting to realize counterpulsation through EMS, instead of air pump [4]. The technique is based on the hypothesis that the contraction of the skeletal muscular compresses peripheral veins and arteries and therefore changes the hemodynamics as counterpulsation.…”