Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation for complex aortic stenosis in hybrid strategy

Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) has been considered to be relatively contraindicated in patients with complex aortic stenosis (AS). In this report, we describe the successful implementation of IABP counterpulsation in a patient with severe coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction complicating significant aortic AS. It is shown that adjuvant IABP is a safe and effective method to bridge the unstable hemodynamic condition in the initial percutaneous phase of a hybrid approach. One year after second stage valve surgery, the clinical course remains uneventful.