Frequently Asked Questions – Patients & Consumers

Three sets of inflatable pressure cuffs, much like ordinary blood pressure cuffs, are wrapped around the calves, thighs and hips. ECG electrodes applied to the chest enable the Renew™ NCP-5 and renew™ SPORT systems to time cuffs inflation precisely to the rhythm of your heartbeat. When the heart is at rest, the cuffs are inflated sequentially from the calves to the hips. This compresses the blood vessels, thus enhancing circulation of blood flow back to the heart. Prior to the next heartbeat, all three cuffs deflate simultaneously. The rapid deflation of the cuffs significantly reduces the amount of work required of the heart to pump oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

The earliest ECP devices inflated all the cuffs simultaneously. To better "milk" blood from the legs, more recent devices inflate the cuffs in a sequential manner: first the calves, then the thighs, then the hips. This improved version of ECP is often called "enhanced ECP". Since all modern ECP machines use some variant of the "enhanced" method, the terms ECP and enhanced ECP are sometimes used interchangeably. Renew™ NCP-5 uses the enhanced ECP technology.

Renew™ ECP Therapy enhances blood flow to all parts of the body, including organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, liver and skin. With improved blood circulation, this increases delivery of oxygen and nutrients and removal of carbon dioxide and waste products. Clinical evidences also indicate that ECP promotes vascular health (fitness of the arteries) and reduces inflammation¹, hence reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Renew™ NCP-5 ECP device is cleared by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of chronic stable angina (chest pain due to poor blood supply to the heart). Many clinical studies have shown ECP therapy to be effective in reducing angina symptoms and improving exercise capacity in patients with angina pectoris².

As with most medical-related procedures, results may vary from patient to patient.

Renew™ NCP-5 ECP device is U.S. FDA-cleared for the treatment of chronic stable angina. However, many clinical studies have also shown ECP to have beneficial effects for symptoms associated with poor blood flow, such as:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Numbness
• Swelling

If you have any conditions listed on the Contraindications, you should not undergo Renew™ ECP Therapy. Speak to your doctor to find out if Renew™ ECP Therapy is suitable for you.

For athletic and wellness professionals:

Each individual must be cleared for ECP by their Healthcare Professional. ECP should not be done if any of the following are true:

• Surgery in the six weeks before ECP session.
• Cardiac catheterization in the two weeks before ECP session.
• Irregular heart rhythm that could interfere with ECP inflation and deflation triggering.
• Dual-chamber pacemaker (atrial component may interfere with ECP inflation timing sequence).
• Aortic insufficiency (a heart valve problem).
• Congestive heart failure.
• Severe lung disease.
• Circulation problems involving the legs or pelvis.
• Current or past blood clot, venous thrombosis or thromboembolism.
• Severe high blood pressure (≥ 180 mmHg systolic or ≥ 110 mmHg diastolic)
• Bleeding disorder.
• Anticoagulation (blood thinning) therapy with INR > 1.5.
• Heart rates < 35 or > 125 beats per minute at the time of an ECP session.
• Presence of infection, open wound, burn or fracture of the legs or pelvis.
• Presence of aneurysm (aortic, cerebral or other).
• Pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test when beginning ECP. Stop ECP if you become pregnant.

NOTE:The renew™ SPORT system is not a medical device. The ECG is not clinical grade and is not intended for diagnostic purposes.

It feels like a firm massage with pressure applied to the hips and legs at regular intervals. The intensity of the pressure is adjustable to ensure a comfortable and effective treatment.

If the cuffs are not adjusted properly or the pressure is set too high for you, tenderness or bruising may occur. Extra padding can be arranged and the pressure setting can be adjusted to your comfort.

Individuals with blood clots or past history of blood clots should not undergo Renew™ ECP Therapy.

If you have any conditions listed under the Contraindications, you should not undergo Renew™ ECP Therapy.

For athletic and wellness professionals:

Each individual must be cleared for ECP by their Healthcare Professional. ECP should not be done if any of the following are true:

• Surgery in the six weeks before ECP session.
• Cardiac catheterization in the two weeks before ECP session.
• Irregular heart rhythm that could interfere with ECP inflation and deflation triggering.
• Dual-chamber pacemaker (atrial component may interfere with ECP inflation timing sequence).
• Aortic insufficiency (a heart valve problem).
• Congestive heart failure.
• Severe lung disease.
• Circulation problems involving the legs or pelvis.
• Current or past blood clot, venous thrombosis or thromboembolism.
• Severe high blood pressure (≥ 180 mmHg systolic or ≥ 110 mmHg diastolic)
• Bleeding disorder.
• Anticoagulation (blood thinning) therapy with INR > 1.5.
• Heart rates < 35 or > 125 beats per minute at the time of an ECP session.
• Presence of infection, open wound, burn or fracture of the legs or pelvis.
• Presence of aneurysm (aortic, cerebral or other).
• Pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test when beginning ECP. Stop ECP if you become pregnant.

NOTE:The renew™ SPORT system is not a medical device. The ECG is not clinical grade and is not intended for diagnostic purposes.

Individuals often feel invigorated after a treatment session. The increase in blood circulation may cause you to feel flushed or warm; your face and hands may appear mildly flushed for an hour or two after a treatment. You may have an appearance similar to what you would have after a round of active exercise. Occasionally, a person may feel slightly light-headed or have a mild headache due to the increase in blood circulation or lack of hydration. However, this usually passes in a few moments.

Renew™ ECP Therapy is an external procedure that is non-surgical and virtually risk-free. It does not require hospitalisation or the use of drugs. Clinical studies have shown that results for ECP therapy are comparable to that of traditional treatment methods such as angioplasty and bypass surgery. Its impact has been significant in many patients, with long-lasting effects of up to 5 years.¹⁶

Many studies have shown that ECP can be of substantial benefit for some patients with CHF.^3,4 You should check with your healthcare provider to see if ECP would be appropriate and beneficial for you.

You are encouraged to consult your doctor or your healthcare provider before undergoing Renew™ ECP Therapy if you have just undergone any of the treatments stated above. Generally, you should only begin ECP therapy at least 6 weeks after surgical intervention and if your wounds have completely healed.

If your blood pressure is now under control, you can have ECP therapy. If your blood pressure is elevated, you should first consult your healthcare provider. Once your blood pressure has been controlled, ECP therapy should be fine.

Renew™ ECP Therapy promotes blood circulation in the whole body, including the limbs. However, if you have severe obstruction of blood flow to your legs, you may not be suited for Renew™ ECP Therapy. If your toes are blue or black or you have no sensation in your feet, you are advised to check with your healthcare provider first.

Some pacemakers may make it difficult for the ECP machine to synchronise with their heartbeats. However, “single-chamber” type pacemakers are generally accepted.

Certainly. If your doctor has cleared you to undergo exercise and physical activity, you may exercise before or after you receive Renew™ ECP Therapy.

Clinical studies have shown ECP to be effective with improving exercise capacity in patients with angina pectoris². Many people find Renew™ ECP Therapy to be beneficial after a vigorous workout. As ECP therapy improves blood flow to peripheral arteries¹⁷ and organs¹⁸, this can promote the removal of metabolites, such as lactic acid, thus helping in recovery from sports and exercise.

For treatment of chronic stable angina, the established treatment time is 60 minutes per session. For other individuals, treatment duration may be advised by a healthcare professional.

For treatment of chronic stable angina, the established duration is 35 treatment sessions over 7 to 8 weeks (approximately 4 to 5 treatment sessions per week). For other individuals, treatment duration may be advised by a healthcare professional.

Yes. You may tell the operator that you wish to stop treatment at any time during the session. There is also an emergency stop button which you may use should you feel an urgent need to stop the treatment. You are encouraged to use the toilet before each session starts in order to minimize disruptions.

Missing a session will not harm you. You may just continue with your next scheduled treatment. However, regular sessions are recommended for maximum benefits.

Results may vary between individuals. While most individuals feel some effect after the first session, all will feel greater improvements as the course of treatment progresses.

Clinical studies have shown that effects persist in some patients for up to 5 years.¹⁶

Yes. Many individuals choose to continue treatment sessions on a regular basis after their full course of treatment has been completed for health maintenance.

There are no age restrictions. However, minors require the consent of their parent or guardian prior to receiving Renew™ ECP Therapy.