[Intra-aortic balloon pulsation in diagnostic coronary angiography]

Percutaneous intraaortic balloon counterpulsation was established during diagnostic cardiac catheterization in 24 patients (ten patients with impending cardiogenic shock and 14 patients with unstable angina pectoris IIIa refractory to maximal medical therapy). Hemodynamic stabilization was obtained and pain disappeared in every patient within a short time. There was no myocardial infarction before surgical intervention. Five patients out of ten with impending cardiogenic shock and 12 out of 14 with unstable angina pectoris type IIIa survived the hospital period. There were three complications during intra-aortal balloon-pulsation: one patient suffered septic infection and two required surgical intervention because of peripheral embolization. Intraaortic balloon pumping is useful to enable catheterization of high-risk patients and to prevent myocardial infarction.