Successful use of intraaortic balloon pumping in a 2-kilogram infant

Severe low cardiac output of unknown cause that did not respond to inotropic and ventilatory support developed in a 2-kg infant. Intraaortic balloon pumping was used successfully to acutely improve her cardiac function and peripheral perfusion and to decrease the requirement for inotropic medications. We describe the technique for insertion and the equipment used, as well as our experience with intraaortic balloon pumping in children.