Effectiveness of Enhanced External Counterpulsation for Post-acute Stroke Patients

Prior treatment

• The presence of documented aortic aneurysm/dissection requiring surgical repair.

Other illness

• Patients with atrial fibrillation/arrhythmia.
• Within 2 weeks after cardiac catheterization or arterial puncture at the femoral artery puncture site.
• Decompensated heart failure (NYHA class 3 or 4).
• Persistent and uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure persistently \>160/100 mmHg).
• Bleeding tendency.
• Active phlebitis/venous disease of the lower extremities.
• Severe vascular occlusive disease of the lower extremities.

Lab values

• Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) \< 30%.

Other

• Moderate or severe aortic regurgitation.
• Pregnancy.

• Patients with acute cerebrovascular disease, within 1 month after acute attack.
• Stable medical condition: (1). Neurological condition: The neurological condition has not deteriorated for more than 72 hours. (2). Vital signs including blood pressure, heartbeat, and body temperature are stable or controllable for more than 72 hours. (3). No complications such as infection, blood abnormalities, gastrointestinal bleeding, or stable or controllable after treatment.
• Those whose functional status is moderate to moderately severe functional impairment (MRS 3-4) and who are judged by the medical team to have active rehabilitation potential: (1). Have basic cognition, learning ability and willingness. (2) Have sufficient physical strength: able to maintain a sitting position on a wheelchair or bed edge for at least one hour with support. (3). Be able to actively participate in rehabilitation treatment plans.
• Aged over 20 years old