Intraaortic balloon counterpulsation: an eleven-year review and analysis of determinants of survival

Abstract

During an 11-year period ending January 1, 1985, 352 patients had insertions of an intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) as an adjunct to medical or surgical therapy. Group I, 175 patients, could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass and required intraaortic balloon pump (IABP). Thirty-nine patients (22%) died in the operating room. Twenty-five patients (14%) died in the acute care unit. The remaining 111 patients (63.4%) survived and were discharged from the hospital. Group II, 104 patients, had the IABP inserted preoperatively. Indications were: postinfarction cardiogenic shock (34 patients), unstable angina (35), postinfarction angina (27), poor ventricular function (six), and prophylaxis (two). Of the 62 patients with unstable angina and postinfarction angina, 57 (92%) were successfully weaned. Of the 34 patients with postinfarction cardiogenic shock, 26 were weaned, but only 16 (47%) survived to leave the hospital. Group III, 34 patients, had the IABP inserted for postoperative hemodynamic deterioration in the acute care unit at variable times: 14 (41%) patients survived. Group IV, 39 patients, had IABP support for medical therapy. Of 24 patients with postinfarction cardiogenic shock, 12 survived. Twelve of 13 patients with unstable angina lived. Of the 352 patients, 228 (65%) were discharged from the hospital. The overall incidence of complications was 12.5%. Complications related to IABP were higher with percutaneous insertion than by femoral arteriotomy (15% vs 12%). Intraaortic balloon counterpulsation effectively unloads the failing left ventricle in weaning patients from cardiopulmonary bypass (Group I). Preoperative insertion (Group II) resulted in 92% survival in patients with both pre- and postinfarction angina. Delayed insertion (Group III) in postoperative patients gave the poorest survival (41%). In patients with postinfarction cardiogenic shock, IABP without corrective cardiac surgery was associated with a 50% survival: with corrective cardiac surgery, 16 patients (47%) survived. Left ventricular dysfunction, myocardial infarction, and timely insertion of IABP are the primary determinants of survival. Approximately one-third of patients who required IABP will die. More involved techniques for mechanical support of the failing circulation, such as ventricular assist device or total artificial heart, may increase survival.