Balloon pump support of the failing right heart

This report reviews a clinical experience with pulmonary artery counterpulsation with a balloon pump in a patient with pulmonary embolization superimposed upon severe trivalvular rheumatic heart disease. This patient underwent a pulmonary embolectomy and triple-valve replacement requiring a pulmonary artery balloon pump for bypass discontinuation and postbypass hemodynamic support. The field of right heart counterpulsation is briefly reviewed, and the technical details of the implantation and management of the device are elaborated.