PILOT PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF COUNTERPULSATION WITH DIFFERENT INTRAAORTIC BALLOON VOLUMES ON CARDIAC-PERFORMANCE IN HUMANS

Smaller intra-aortic balloons (IAB) may minimize peripheral vascular complications. To determine the influence of different IAB volumes on cardiac performance, we studied 20 hemodynamically stable patients on IAB counterpulsation, Variables were measured with either a 40cc or 32cc [AB displacement, at an assist ratio of 1:1 or 1:8: Heart rate, Ao and PA pressures, and Pick cardiac output. By echo-Doppler, the velocity time integral (VTI) across the LV outflow tract, a measure of stroke volume was also calculated. The mean age was 60 yr (range 18-77), height 5'6 '' (5'2 ''-5'11 ''), and body surface area 1.9M(2) (1.5-2.3). Results presented as mean values were: [GRAPHICS] Conclusion: IAB pumping at 1:1 with either 40 cc or 32 cc volume displacement yields similar degrees of improvement in cardiac performance. A larger cohort is required to determine if smaller balloons may decrease complications without compromising efficacy. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.