Intra-aortic counterpulsation during carotid stenting

Postprocedural hypotension following endovascular stent placement of caroti d artery disease (CAS) predicts increased in-hospital complications and lon g-term risk of death. Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) both inc reases mean arterial pressure and cerebral blood flow and therefore possibl y reduces complications due to hemodynamic instability during and after CAS . In this study, we describe the use of IABP in a patient with severe depre ssion of left ventricular function due to diffuse coronary artery disease u ndergoing CAS. Controlled studies are necessary to demonstrate a potentiall y protective role of IABP in high-risk CAS patients. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, I nc.