[Emergency myocardial revascularization with assisted circulation for early extension of infarction]

In order to reduce the oxygen consumption of the myocardium and preserve the areas around the infarction, still alive but undergoing ischemia, 8 patients with early extension of their infarction were placed under circulatory assistance by intra-aortic counter-pulsation. In 8 patients, the pain disappeared and did not recur, permitting left ventriculography and coronary arteriogrpahy. This examination is often considered high risk, but in no patient in our series, during the acute phase of myocardial infarction, were there any complications. 6 patients underwent operation, and aortic counter-pulsation was used during the post-operative period. In all, eight coronary by-pass operations were carried out and, in one case, part of the ventricular wall was resected. All patients are still alive, none have heart failure or residual angina; the follow-up period is now 2 years for the first case.