Transthoracic intra-aortic balloon pump in open heart operations: techniques and outcome

OBJECTIVE: During open heart surgery, direct transthoracic insertion of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is an alternative to the routine transfemoral insertion especially in the presence of severe peripheral vascular disease. METHODS: Over 19 years (1980-1998), 646 patients were treated with IABP. In 24 of them, the balloon was inserted transthoracic (TIABP) due to failure of transfemoral insertion in 13 or extensive occlusive aorto-iliac disease in 11 cases. RESULTS: Early mortality was 58.3% in patients having TIABP compared to 46.1% in patients with transfemoral IABP insertion (p > 0.2). Of the 24 patients receiving IABP transthoracic, none suffered vascular injury (i.e. perforation or dissection). Complications which could be related to TIABP occurred in 10 patients: 3 balloon ruptures, 1 mediastinal haemorrhage, 3 cerebrovascular accidents, 1 post-operative mediastinitis, and 2 late graft infections. CONCLUSIONS: TIABP is a useful alternative when transfemoral insertion of IABP is not feasible or hazardous because of occluded or severely diseased ilio-femoral arteries. Being a second choice and a more invasive treatment, transthoracic IABP is associated with increased mortality.     

The intra-aortic balloon pump

The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a mechanical device designed to support the failing or ischaemic myocardium. It is usually inserted percutaneously through the femoral arteries, with the tip just distal to the left subclavian artery. The principle lies in diastolic counterpulsation (augmentation) that inflates at the start of diastole and deflates just before systole. This allows increased coronary perfusion during diastole and also reduces the impedance to forward flow during systole. This scenario of reduced cardiac workload and increased supply of oxygen results in increased cardiac output. Indications include mechanical complications of myocardial infarction, refractory unstable angina, high-risk cardiac surgery, and support of the failing myocardium before transplantation. Contraindications include aortic dissection, aortic regurgitation and severe peripheral vascular disease.     

术前置入主动脉内球囊反搏对高危冠状动脉旁路移植术患者预后的影响

目的比较高危冠心病患者术前预防性置入主动脉内球囊反搏(IABP)和被动紧急置入IABP对临床预后的影响. 方法 35例接受冠状动脉旁路移植手术同时需接受IABP置入的患者,根据置入的时机不同分为两组.术前置入组 接受术前预防性置入IABP;对照组术中或术后接受紧急置入IABP.比较两组围术期死亡率、心肌梗死发生率、术后心功能不全和需要正性肌力药物辅助的程度、IABP使用的时间、术后呼吸机辅助时间和重症监护治疗病房(ICU)停留时间. 结果术前置入组围手术期死亡率和心肌梗死发生率分别为11.1%和0%,较对照组低(65.4%,50%;P＝0.007,0.013);两组呼吸机辅助通气时间、IABP使用时间、术后需正性肌力药物辅助时间以及术后平均住ICU时间差别均有显著性意义(P＜0.05). 结论术前预防性置入IABP能降低围术期死亡率、心肌梗死发生率,减少对正性肌力药物的需要量和缩短住ICU时间.     

Heparin-free management of intra-aortic balloon pump after cardiac surgery

Abstract Background : Anticoagulation with heparin is recommended in patients with an intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) to prevent thrombosis and embolization. However, anticoagulation increases the risk of bleeding, particularly in the early postoperative period after cardiac surgery. We investigated the safety of heparin‐free management after IABP insertion in patients who underwent cardiac surgery. Methods : We studied 203 consecutive patients who received perioperative IABP support between August 2004 and December 2011. All patients were managed without heparin and were followed for thrombotic and/or hemorrhagic complications. Results : Patients were divided into two groups, according to time of IABP treatment following surgery. Group I, 81 patients (39.9%) were treated less than 24 hours following surgery and Group II, 122 patients (60.1%) were treated more than 24 hours following surgery. Vascular complications developed in seven patients (3.4%), two in Group I and five in Group II. Three patients had major and four had minor limb ischemia. There were no major bleeding complications, but minor bleeding complications were observed in eight patients (4.2%). Conclusion : In patients undergoing cardiac surgery with IABP support, the rate of thromboembolic complications was relatively low compared to historical controls. Heparin‐free management may reduce the risk of hemorrhagic complications, with a low risk of thrombotic complications. Heparin should not be routinely used in patients requiring IABP after cardiac surgery. (J Card Surg 2012;27:434‐437)     

主动脉内球囊反搏在高危冠状动脉旁路移植手术中的预防性应用

目的 探讨主动脉内球囊反搏(LABP)在高危冠状动脉旁路移植术(CABG)围术期预防性应用的效果.方法 41例高危CABG病人围术期应用IABP辅助,其中20例为预防性应用(Y组),21例为CABG围术期发生严重低心排被迫应用(B组).术前两组性别、年龄、体表面积、心功能、射血分数、病变程度基本一致,仅冠心病合并室壁瘤情况,Y组显著高于B组(70%对38.1%P=0.04).结果 Y组与B组生存率为95.0%对85.7%(P=0.31),IABP应用时间为(72.5±28.91)h对(97.47±47.70)h,(P=0.02),术中严重低血压或心律失常发生率5%对66.7%(P<0.0001).术后呼吸机应用时间(22.0±1.6)h对(39.6±2.1)h(P=0.0015)、ICU停留时间(58.0±1.5)h对(98.5±1.9)h(P=0.003).结论 IABP的预防性应用为高危CABG病人提供了安全保障,术中严重低血压或心律失常发生率低,病情恢复快.     

Principles of intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below. Key points

The primary goal of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)treatment is to increase myocardial oxygen supply and decreasemyocardial oxygen demand.

Decreased urine output after theinsertion of IABP can occur because of juxta-renal balloon positioning.

Haemolysisfrom mechanical damage to red blood cells can reduce the haematocritby up to 5%.

Suboptimal timing of inflation and deflation ofthe balloon produces haemodynamic instability.

An IABP is thrombogenic;always anticoagulate the patient.

Never switch the balloonoff while in situ.

  Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) remains the most widely usedcirculatory assist device in critically ill patients with cardiacdisease. The National Centre of Health Statistics estimatedthat IABP was used in 42 000 patients in the USA in 2002. Advancesin technology, including percutaneous insertion, smaller diametercatheters, sheathless insertion techniques, and enhanced automation,have permitted the use of counterpulsation in a variety of settings,with greater efficacy and . . . [Full Text of this Article]