The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 51, 658-660, Copyright © 1991 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation for intraoperative right ventricular failure
PD Skillington, GS Couper, PS Peigh, D Fitzgerald and LH Cohn
Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.
Two cases of severe low cardiac output and right ventricular failure after
coronary artery bypass grafting necessitated pulmonary artery balloon
counterpulsation after intraaortic balloon pumping and maximal
inotropic/pressor support were unsuccessful in maintaining a satisfactory
cardiac output. Hemodynamic improvement was sufficient to allow removal of
the device 2 and 3 days postoperatively, with survival in 1 patient.
Pulmonary artery counterpulsation is less morbid in comparison with other
mechanical methods of right ventricular support and is applicable in right
ventricular failure of intermediate severity.