The role of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Between June, 1979, and July, 1982, 14 patients required an IABP in conjunction with PTCA. The clinical indications for balloon counterpulsation, in the performance of PTCA were (1) clinically unstable situations where PTCA might otherwise be contraindicated, e.g., left main stem disease, multivessel coronary artery disease, unstable anginal syndromes, and cardiogenic shock; (2) preoperative insertion of an IABP for added safety following unsuccessful angioplasty; (3) abrupt vessel closure during a PTCA procedure in which the patient becomes hemodynamically unstable; and (4) late vessel closure following an initially successful angioplasty resulting in hemodynamic compromise. Of the 14 cases requiring balloon counterpulsation, 13 survived hospitalization and were alive at the time this report was submitted. We conclude that IABP is a useful adjunct to PTCA in a variety of clinical circumstances.