[Preventive intraaortic balloon counterpulsation during surgical myocardial revascularization]

Fifty patients with low myocardial functional reserves (left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40%, disseminated cardiosclerosis, multiple affection of coronary arteries, NYHA class III-IV) after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS) were examined. All the patients were divided into 2 groups. Preventive intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC) was used in 24 patients (group 1). Group 2 consisted of 26 patients with similar physical state where IABC has not been used. It was revealed that preventive IABC leads to stabilization of the left ventricle function and cardiac output, a decrease in the doses and period of catecholamines administration. The rate of cardiac rhythm disorders in group 1 was 7 times, myocardial infarction -- 2.5 times, respiratory failure -- 5 times, stay at the intensive care unit -- 2 times less compared with those of group 2. Lethality was 12.5% in group 1 and 26.9% in group 2.