Use of Intraaortic Balloon Pumps in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

Cardiac failure may occur after repair of type A aortic dissections and contributes significantly to mortality. The use of an intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) for circulatory support in these patients is traditionally considered contraindicated because of concerns over extension of the residual dissection flap or aortic rupture. We propose that the use of an IABP may be appropriate and safe to improve cardiac function in patients after type A dissection repair. The two cases presented here contribute to increasing the body of evidence to support the appropriate use of IABP in these patients.