Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. Clinical experience

From March 1975 until September 1978, seventy patients were referred for intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation for cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction or for the treatment of low cardiac output states following cardiopulmonary bypass. Sixty of these received adequate intra-aortic balloon pump assistance; fifty-two ped successfully off the balloon pump. Twenty-three patients survived to leave hospital.