Intra-aortic balloon pump: indications, efficacy, guidelines and future directions

Aortic Dissection From an Intra-aortic Balloon Pump: A Dangerous Complication to Keep in Mind

Despite the benefits of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) being a subject of debate, it remains a widely available and easy-to-use mechanical circulatory support device. Nonetheless, its use is not exempt from complications. Aortic dissection from IABP is an infrequent but deathly complication. We describe a case in which early recognition of the condition led to control through an endovascular approach. A 57-year-old male was admitted for acute decompensated heart failure requiring intravenous inotropic agents. While undergoing assessment for a heart transplant, he developed cardiogenic shock requiring initiation of mechanical circulatory support with an IABP. A few hours after device implantation, the patient developed acute tearing chest pain and was found to have an acute dissection in the descending thoracic aorta. Prompt liaison with the endovascular team led to a thoracic endovascular aortic repair to control the extent of the lesion.

Successful rescue of fulminant myocarditis with mechanical circulatory support and immunosuppression therapy: A case report

Myocarditis is challenging to diagnose because of its various clinical manifestations. Fulminant myocarditis (FM) is a severe type of myocarditis characterized by heart failure, malignant arrhythmia, cardiogenic shock, and cardiac arrest. Its early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for a positive long-term prognosis. Here we report a case of 42-year-old woman who presented with fever, chest pain, and cardiogenic shock. An initial examination showed increased myocardial enzyme levels and diffuse ST-segment elevation. Urgent coronary angiography excluded coronary artery stenosis. Echocardiography revealed decreased left ventricular systolic function. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed cardiomyocyte necrosis and interstitial inflammatory edema. The patient was diagnosed with FM and administered antiviral and anti-infective agents, glucocorticoid, immunoglobulin, and supported with temporary cardiac pacemaker and positive airway therapy, and treated with continuous renal replacement therapy. As her clinical condition deteriorated rapidly, we immediately started an intra-aortic balloon pump and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. She was discharged on day 15 and recovered normally during follow-up. The early initiation of mechanical circulatory support and immunosuppression are life-saving tools for the treatment of FM.

Prophylactic intra-aortic balloon pump in patients with left main disease undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Background

Preventive intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) for high-risk patients with stable hemodynamics is controversial, and its definition of high-risk is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of prophylactic IABP on the early outcome of left main disease (LMD) patients receiving off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) with stable hemodynamics.

Methods

From January 2013 to April 2020, 257 consecutive patients who underwent OPCABG through sternotomy were enrolled in this study. All LMD patients (greater than 70%) had stable hemodynamics (BP>100 mmHg without vasoconstrictor substance infusion). Early outcomes of 125 patients with prophylactic IABP (IABP group) and 132 patients without IABP (Control group) were compared in this study.

Results

IABP did not show favorable effect on the conversion to CPB (RR 0.63, 95%CI 0.05–7.89, P = 0.7211), perioperative MI (RR 0.69, 95%CI 0.22–2.12, P = 0.5163), mortality (RR 0.65, 95%CI 0.04–10.25, P = 0.7608) or the composite end of the conversion, MI and mortality (RR 0.63, 95%CI 0.23–1.74, P = 0.3747). There was greater incidence of prolonged ventilation in IABP after adjustment (RR2.16, 95%CI 1.12–4.18, P = 0.0221). There was no IABP-related mortality or limb ischemia.

Conclusion

No significant difference in early outcomes was observed in hemodynamically stable patients with LMD between prophylactic IABP group and control group. Prophylactic IABP may be unnecessary in patients with LMD undergoing OPCABG.

Intra-aortic balloon pump entrapment without rupture: a case series

Intra-aortic balloon pump is an invasive procedure used in critically unwell population and carries risks of possible complications. The most common complications include thrombocytopenia and fever, occurring approximately 50 and 36% of the time. Rare complications include vascular tears, limb ischemia, occurring approximately 1-2% of the time and balloon rupture and/or entrapment approximately 0.5% of the time. Current literature suggests the most common etiology of entrapment is due to balloon rupture and the formation of clot within the balloon causing difficulty in removal. Herein, we demonstrate a case series of intra-aortic balloon pump entrapment without balloon rupture.

When the Complex Meets the High-Risk: Mechanical Cardiac Support Devices and Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Severe Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Few practice guidelines directly address the issue of revascularization in patients with CAD at higher risk of periprocedural complications. It remains a challenge to appropriately identify the subset of patients with CAD who will require short-term use of mechanical cardiocirculatory support devices (MCSDs) when high-risk (HR) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is required. Issues of the complexity (coronary anatomy and high burden of comorbidities) and risk status (hemodynamic precarity or compromise) need to be considered when considering revascularization in patients. This review will focus on the evolving concept of protected PCI in patients with CAD, and how a balanced, integrated heart-team approach remains the path to optimal patient-centred care in the setting of HR-PCI supported with MCSD.

Chinese society of cardiology expert consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of adult fulminant myocarditis

Fulminant myocarditis is primarily caused by infection with any number of a variety of viruses. It arises quickly, progresses rapidly, and may lead to severe heart failure or circulatory failure presenting as rapid-onset hypotension and cardiogenic shock, with mortality rates as high as 50%-70%. Most importantly, there are no treatment options, guidelines or an expert consensus statement. Here, we provide the first expert consensus, the Chinese Society of Cardiology Expert Consensus Statement on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Fulminant Myocarditis, based on data from our recent clinical trial (NCT03268642). In this statement, we describe the clinical features and diagnostic criteria of fulminant myocarditis, and importantly, for the first time, we describe a new treatment regimen termed life support-based comprehensive treatment regimen. The core content of this treatment regimen includes (i) mechanical life support (applications of mechanical respirators and circulatory support systems, including intraaortic balloon pump and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, (ii) immunological modulation by using sufficient doses of glucocorticoid, immunoglobulin and (iii) antiviral reagents using neuraminidase inhibitor. The proper application of this treatment regimen may and has helped to save the lives of many patients with fulminant myocarditis.

KSHF Guidelines for the Management of Acute Heart Failure: Part II. Treatment of Acute Heart Failure

The prevalence of heart failure (HF) is on the rise due to the aging of society. Furthermore, the continuous progress and widespread adoption of screening and diagnostic strategies have led to an increase in the detection rate of HF, effectively increasing the number of patients requiring monitoring and treatment. Because HF is associated with substantial rates of mortality and morbidity, as well as high socioeconomic burden, there is an increasing need for developing specific guidelines for HF management. The Korean guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic HF were introduced in March 2016. However, chronic and acute HF represent distinct disease entities. Here, we introduce the Korean guidelines for the management of acute HF with reduced or preserved ejection fraction. Part II of this guideline covers the treatment of acute HF.

Clinical application of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery

The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been the most commonly used mechanical circulatory support device for nearly five decades. In theory, the IABP can increase the blood and oxygen supply of the coronary artery by increasing the diastolic pressure in the aortic root when the balloon is inflated and reduce left ventricular afterload by rapidly deflating the balloon during the systolic phase. Therefore, some researchers put forward the idea of preoperative prophylactic use of an IABP, which has been frequently performed in high-risk patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Previous studies have suggested preoperative IABP has a controversial effect on patients undergoing revascularization; the role of preoperative IABP insertion in those patients undergoing CABG alone remains uncertain. This review will give further insight into routine IABP use by presenting the basic principles and discussing current evidence.

Unilateral Headache Status after Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Placement

Introduction

Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation is a catheter-based treatment for coronary artery disease and decompensated heart failure to increase coronary blood flow and improve cardiac output. IABP is generally well tolerated, and complications are usually related to peripheral vasculature or red blood cell and platelet consumption. The usual insertion site via femoral artery renders the patient bedbound. Recently, axillary artery has been used in patients with atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease and documented small arteries or in those awaiting transplant to ensure ambulation and prevent deconditioning.

Case Report

We present a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy and severe left ventricular dysfunction, awaiting Orthotropic Heart Transplant. His worsening intractable angina and dyspnea necessitated IABP placement via left axillary artery, significantly improving his condition. He subsequently experienced migraine-type persistent unilateral headache refractory to standard pain management. Multiple strategies were utilized to treat his pain, but the patient insisted that his pain commenced after IABP placement. Ultimately, the removal of the pump led to complete resolution with no recurrence.

Conclusion

The authors hypothesize that the unilaterally directed blood flow and direct increase in cerebral perfusion from the intra-aortic balloon pump may have caused vasodilation of the extracranial arteries, leading to a persistent and debilitating headache in this susceptible patient.

Clinical application of intra-aortic balloon pump in patients with cardiogenic shock during the perioperative period of cardiac surgery

Intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) have saved many patients with cardiogenic shock during the perioperative period of cardiac surgery. However, the ideal insertion timing is controversial. In the present study, we aimed to optimize the insertion timing, in order to increase the survival rate of the patients. A total of 197 patients with cardiogenic shock during the perioperative period of cardiac surgery and implemented IABP from January 2011 to October 2015 were selected for the study. Patients were divided into five groups on the basis of application timing of IABP: 0–60, 61–120, 121–180, 181–240 and >240 min. The 30-day mortality, application rate of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of hospital stay and hospitalization charges were analyzed in the above groups. The risk factors related to mortality and the occurrence of IABP complications were also analyzed. The mortality in the 0–60, 61–120, 121–180, 181–240 and >240 min groups were 42.17, 36.6, 77.3, 72.7 and 79.3%, respectively. Earlier IABP insertion resulted in less patients receiving CRRT from acute renal failure and less daily hospitalization charges. However, the IABP application timing had no effect on indexes such as hospitalization duration, duration of mechanical ventilation and total hospitalization charges. Multifactor logistic regression analysis indicated that the independent risk factors of death in patients with cardiogenic shock during cardiac surgery were related to IABP support timing and vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) before balloon insertion. In the first 120 min of cardiogenic shock during the perioperative period of cardiac surgery, IABP application decreased 30-day mortality. Mortality was related with VIS score of patients, which can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with cardiogenic shock.

Spinal cord infarction post cardiac arrest in STEMI: A potential complication of intra-aortic balloon pump use

Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is commonly used as a cardiac assist device in various clinical situations: cardiogenic shock, mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction, high risk percutaneous coronary interventions, coronary artery bypass graft surgery and refractory unstable angina and ventricular arrhythmias as bridge to therapy. Although current data support its safety, there is limited or no support for its efficacy. We present the case of spinal cord infarction after IABP use in a patient who presented with ST elevation myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest and we discuss the potential mechanism of such a devastating complication.

Shock Management for Cardio-surgical ICU Patients - The Golden Hours

Postoperative shock following cardiac surgery is a serious condition with a high morbidity and mortality. There are four types of shock: cardiogenic, hypovolemic, obstructive and distributive and these can occur alone or in combination. Early identification of the underlying diseases and understanding of the mechanisms at play are key for successful management of shock. Prompt resuscitation measures are necessary to reverse the shock state and avoid permanent organ dysfunction or death. In this review, the authors focus on the management during the first 6 hours of shock (the 'golden hours'). They discuss how to optimise preload, vascular tone, contractility, heart rate and oxygen delivery. The review incorporates the findings of recent trials on early goal-directed therapy and includes practical recommendations in areas in which the evidence is scare or controversial. While the review focuses on cardio-surgical patients, the suggested treatment algorithms might be usefully expanded to other critically ill patients with shock arising from other causes.