Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026
The Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump
Published on: February 5, 2021
Chronic extra-aortic balloon counterpulsation: first-in-human pilot study in end-stage heart failure
Christopher S Hayward1, William S Peters, Alan F Merry
1Department of Cardiology, Heart Lung Transplant Unit, St. Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia. cshayward@stvincents.com.au
Background:
Some patients continue to have significant heart failure symptoms despite optimal medical therapy.
Methods:
We describe a first-in-human experience with an implantable non-blood-contacting extra-ascending aortic counterpulsation heart assist system (C-Pulse) in 5 end-stage heart failure patients, aged 54 to 73 years.
Results:
All patients improved by 1 NYHA class and improvements in invasive hemodynamics were documented in 3 patients. Three of 5 patients (60%) had infectious complications. Two patients were explanted at 5 and 7 weeks, respectively, as a result of mediastinal infection related to the implant procedure. One patient was successfully transplanted at 1 month and 1 remained hemodynamically improved on the device at 6 months but suffered infective complications. The device and protocol have been modified as a result of this pilot study with a further multicenter safety study underway.
Conclusions:
Although feasibility of this device is suggested by this pilot study, safety and efficacy will need to be examined in a larger cohort with longer follow-up.
