The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 29, 381-384, Copyright © 1980 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Emergency guidelines for AVCO/datascope intraaortic balloon pump console substitution
J Binford and EA Hessel 2d
Intraaortic balloon pumping is widely utilized for mechanical circulatory
support of patients with left ventricular power failure. Although
intraaortic balloon pump consoles are quite reliable, malfunctions do
occur. If a standby console of similar make is not available, a console of
a different manufacturer can be utilized to continue counterpulsation. This
article provides guidelines for the emergency driving of a Datascope pump
console and an AVCO balloon catheter, and an AVCO pump console and a
Datascope balloon catheter. The succesful use of the Datascope pump and an
AVCO balloon in 5 patients is reported.