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

Smaller intra-aortic balloons (IAB) may minimize peripheral vascular c omplications. To determine the influence of different IAB volumes on c ardiac performance, we studied 20 hemodynamically stable patients on I AB counterpulsation, Variables were measured with either a 40cc or 32c c [AB displacement, at an assist ratio of 1:1 or 1:8: Heart rate, Ao a nd PA pressures, and Pick cardiac output. By echo-Doppler, the velocit y 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), hei ght 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 pump ing at 1:1 with either 40 cc or 32 cc volume displacement yields simil ar degrees of improvement in cardiac performance. A larger cohort is r equired to determine if smaller balloons may decrease complications wi thout compromising efficacy. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.