Early outcomes of intra-aortic balloon pump in cardiac surgery

As the proportion of high-risk patients for cardiac surgery increases, use of intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) has increased, especially for acute heart failure following cardiac surgery. The aim of this prospective study was to determine risk factors of early mortality and IABP complications in patient who underwent cardiac surgery.

From March 2008 through February 2011, 106 (2.36%) patients received preoperative (N.=19) and postoperative IABP (N.=87). They included 68 (64.2%) men and 38 (35.8%) women, with a mean age 59 ± 9.6 years. Most of patients only had coronary disease. (N.=73) Prospective data collection obtained.

Fifty nine patients (59.7%) were successfully weaned from IABP support and survived to hospital discharge. Hospital mortality was 44.3%. Risk factors for hospital death were age, urgent procedure, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, and incomplete revascularization. The overall mortality between patients with preoperative IABP insertion and patients with postoperative IABP did not significantly differ (6/19 vs. 41/87, P=0.163). Early vascular complications occurred in 4 patients (3.8%) that were not significant.

The use of IABP is a safe option to support heart failure in cardiac surgery. Improved IABP technology and better surveillance have lead to increased use with lower complication rates.