Chronic pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation in sheep via percutaneous route

In clinical practice pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation (PABC) has been utilized only in the operative setting with the balloon housed in a graft attached to the pulmonary artery. Clearly, percutaneous insertion of a dedicated pulmonary artery balloon is a desirable goal for patients requiring temporary assist for right ventricular failure.

To address the question of right sided cardiopulmonary tolerance for a chronic indwelling pulmonary artery balloon, six adult ewes underwent percutaneous placement of an 11 ml pulmonary artery balloon, via the femoral vein. Effective pumping and timing were monitored for 48 hours at which time the animals were sacrificed. At autopsy gross and microscopic study of all right heart structures, the pulmonary arteries and the lungs were studied for adverse effects.

There were inconsequential minor abrasions to right heart structures in most animals. The pulmonary artery in five of six animals revealed ecchymoses and some transmural hemorrhage, but no necrosis or perforation. There was no pulmonary injury that could not be ascribed to postoperative atelectasis.

This study demonstrates that chronic pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation can be carried out for a period of 48 hours without significant injury to right heart and pulmonary structures in the ovine model