HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Personal Folders Download to citation manager Permission Requests Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Zapolanski, A. Articles by Baird, R. J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Zapolanski, A. Articles by Baird, R. J.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 33, 516-517, Copyright © 1982 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

ARTICLES

Pericardial graft for intraoperative balloon pump insertion

A Zapolanski, RD Weisel, BS Goldman, HE Scully and RJ Baird

A technique that permits rapid insertion of an intraaortic balloon pump to support patients who cannot be successfully weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass is described. A pericardial patch is obtained while the sternum is still open, and is sutured to a common femoral arteriotomy. A 6-0 Prolene mattress stitch is inserted at the heel and continued along the sides. The ends are tied at the toe, and the same suture is used to construct a tube of pericardium over the balloon catheter. A single heavy silk suture is placed around the pericardial graft to prevent bleeding. The technique helps prevent thrombus and avoids infectious complications. It reduces the incidence of vascular complications and makes use of the Fogarty catheter after balloon removal unnecessary. We have used the method in 9 patients since November, 1979, without problems.