Related Experiment Videos
Pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation for intraoperative right ventricular failure
P D Skillington1, G S Couper, P S Peigh
1Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|April 1, 1991
Abstract:
Two cases of severe low cardiac output and right ventricular failure after coronary artery bypass grafting necessitated pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation after intraaortic balloon pumping and maximal inotropic/pressor support were unsuccessful in maintaining a satisfactory cardiac output. Hemodynamic improvement was sufficient to allow removal of the device 2 and 3 days postoperatively, with survival in 1 patient. Pulmonary artery counterpulsation is less morbid in comparison with other mechanical methods of right ventricular support and is applicable in right ventricular failure of intermediate severity.