[Intra-graft balloon pumping--a clinical case report]

A 29-year-old female underwent tube graft replacement of distal aortic arch and descending aorta for dissecting aneurysm. After 42 minutes of aortic cross-clamping the patient was initially weaned satisfactorily from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, cardiac arrhythmia and cardiac arrest necessitated reestablishment of CPB. Electro-cardiography showed inferior myocardial infarction. To wean CPB intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP) was mandatory. But because of dissecting aortic aneurysm IABP in conventional method was contra-indicated. Intra graft balloon pumping (IGBP) was initiated while the patient was on full CPB. A low-porosity woven Dacron tube graft (22 mm) was anastomosed end-to-side to ascending aorta. A balloon was inserted into the tube graft to establish IGBP. This IGBP provided effective circulatory assist. The patient was weaned from CPB 1 hours after reestablishment of IGBP. Postoperative course was stable. The patient was returned to the operating room for removal of the balloon 3 days postoperatively. We reported the case for whom IGBP was effective. IGBP was effective circulatory support for the patient when conventional use of IABP was contra-indicated.