USEFULNESS OF “TRUE 8” IABP CATHETER WITH SMALL SHAFT FOR PREVENTING LEG ISCHEMIA

The efficacy of the TRUE 8 IABP catheter for the prevention of ischemic leg complications was evaluated and the balloon performance of inflation and deflection measured. Out of 7 patients with coronary artery disease who underwent IABP support, two patients had a TRUE 8 via a femoral artery inserted through an 8Fr arterial sheath (TRUE 8 group). The remaining 5 patients were supported by a conventional IABP cathether inserted through a 9.5Fr sheath. The ankle-pressure index and lactate extraction ratio in the same leg of IABP inserted were measured during and after IABP support and compared between the two groups. Aortic pressure pattern of systolic unloading and diastolic augmentation and positive and negative dP/dT of intraballoon pressure were measured during the IABP in some patients. The results suggest that TRUE 8 may be beneficial to prevent lef ischemia.