EFFECTS OF INTRAAORTIC BALLOON PUMPING ON CORONARY AND CAROTID FLOW DURING PERCUTANEOUS CARDIOPULMONARY SUPPORT

Previous studies have suggested an improved clinical outcome when perc utaneous cardiopulmonary support is combined with intraaortic balloon counterpulsation in patients with cardiogenic shock. We evaluated the effect of combined intraaortic balloon counterpulsation and percutaneo us cardiopulmonary support therapy on coronary and cerebral blood flow by Doppler measurements in the coronary and the carotid arteries in a patient with cardiac arrest. During pacemaker stimulation, intraaorti c balloon counterpulsation in addition to percutaneous cardiopulmonary support markedly improved coronary and carotid blood flow. Possible m echanisms are discussed.