Changes in graft flow pattern from the descending aorta due to intraaorticballoon pump

During surgery for lung cancer in a patient who had undergone coronary arte ry bypass grafting through the descending aorta by left thoracotomy, we mea sured graft bypass blood now from the descending aorta under intraaortic ba lloon pump (IABP) assistance. Under IABP assistance, the diastolic waveform changed to a spiky pattern with a sharp drop in blood flow of approximatel y 16% compared to that without LABP assistance. We report changes in graft flow pattern during IABP assistance when the graft is placed from the desce nding aorta. (Ann Thorac Surg 2000;70:980-2) (C) 2000 by The Society of Tho racic Surgeons.