Experience with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in a community hospital

Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation is well established as an adjunct in the treatment of refractory cardiac failure in university centers. We have analyzed the practicality of its use at a community hospital without cardiovascular resident coverage. Between 1971 and 1976, 27 patients were subjected to counterpulsation. The survival rate was 44%. This compares well with university centers where various reports listed survival rates between 14% and 50%. We believe that IABP is a valuable adjunct in the total care of cardiac patients and should be used in all community hospitals in which cardiac surgery is done.