Cardiology  device's use to be studied

The Ministry of Health will study the effectiveness of cardiological equipment known as Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP), which is expected to be bought for Khalifa Hospital here.

This was revealed by Humaid Al Amiri, Assistant Under-secretary of the Ministry.

He said: "We are constantly trying to develop medical services by bringing in new medical facilities and this is one of our efforts in this regard.

"A committee will be set up to exclusively study this device and to follow up the possibility of purchase. If it is found suitable, an announcement will be made not later than October.

"Doctors and scientists from around the world will be invited to conduct research on this cardiological equipment," Al Amiri said at the demonstration session held at the hospital.

People with angina problems are expected to benefit from treatment with the new equipment.

Angina is considered a major unresolved health problem that exacts a huge personal toll. The EECP treatment is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure to relieve angina by improving perfusion in areas of the heart deprived of an adequate blood supply.

Abdul Rahman Yousef Al Nuaimi, Director of Ajman Medical District, said: "A lot of people will benefit from the EECP cardiological equipment as it is non-invasive and cost-effective.

"From the demonstration we have seen, it seems to be safe for patients undergoing treatment sessions. Patients with cardiological problems will save themselves the trouble of having to undergo an operation as this affordable medical device provides early intervention," he said at the demonstration session held at Khalifa Hospital.

Clinical trials have confirmed the benefits of this treatment. They include symptomatic relief of angina unresponsive to medical therapy, improved blood flow to deprived areas of heart muscles as demonstrated by the results of thallium stress testing, elimination or reduction of nitrate use, and improved ability to exercise.

The EECP treatment is usually received for 35 hours, divided into one-hour sessions five days per a week. The EECP treatment was introduced in the U.S. in 1995, with research on this treatment in progress since the 1950s.

Eighty per cent of the treated patients have proved to have had no more angina problems. A one-time treatment can sustain health for three to five years.