ECP is a safe and effective treatment for patients who suffer from the crippling chest pain of angina pectoris and who are not good candidates for surgical treatments. ECP treatment is typically provided on an outpatient basis in 35 one-hour sessions over a period of approximately seven weeks. To receive ECP treatment the patient lies on a treatment table. Compressive cuffs, similar to large blood pressure cuffs, are securely wrapped around the patient's calves, thighs, and buttocks. The cuffs compress the limbs, creating a wave of pressure to increase blood flow to the heart. Each wave of pressure is timed to the heart beat, so that the increased blood flow is delivered to the heart during the time it is relaxing. When the heart pumps again, the pressure is released so that blood is pumped more easily from the heart.

Clinical studies over the last couple years have shown that about 75% of patients treated with a single course of ECP experience a reduction in chest pain, improved blood flow to deprived areas of the heart, and improved ability to exercise. Patient follow-up indicates that the benefits are enhanced at six months and continue for two years following treatment.