Evaluation of preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump support in high risk coronary patients

OBJECTIVE: The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is an establishedadditional support to pharmacological treatment of the failing heart aftermyocardial infarction, unstable angina and cardiac surgery. The effect ofpreoperative IABP in high risk patients was evaluated. METHODS: BetweenJune 1994 and March 1996 all high risk patients for CABG (two or more ofthese criteria: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < or = 40%,left main stem stenosis > or = 70%, REDO-CABG, unstable angina) wererandomized into either of 3 groups: (1) IABP 1 day prior to surgery, (2)IABP 1-2 h prior to CPB and (3) no preoperative IABP, controls. Exclusioncriteria: cardiogenic shock preoperatively. Fifty-two patients have enteredthe study-group 1 (13 patients), group 2 (19 patients) and group 3 (20patients). Preoperative patient characteristics and operative data revealedno group differences. There were 56% REDO's, unstable angina 59%, LVEF