Preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump use in high-risk patients prior to coronary artery bypass graft surgery decreases the risk for morbidity and mortality-A meta-analysis of 9,212 patients

Early use of intrapartum intra-aortic balloon pump support for haemodynamic stabilization of peripartum and anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy: a case report

Background

Prior exposure to cardiotoxic cancer therapies has been associated with an increased risk of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). The management of PPCM in this population remains a clinical challenge. Few studies have explored the use of mechanical circulatory support in PPCM. We present a case of early implementation of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy for acute stabilization and intrapartum support of PPCM.

Case summary

A 36-year-old G4P2103 (4th pregnancy, two full-term, one premature birth, 0 abortions, and three living children) woman at 26 weeks and 5 days gestation with history of combined peripartum and anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy [previously left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 10-15% and recently 40-45%] presented with acute decompensated heart failure. Her clinical status deteriorated with a drop in LVEF to 15-20% with a significant increase in pulmonary pressures and worsening mitral regurgitation. A multidisciplinary decision with the cardio-obstetrics team was made to place a pulmonary artery catheter for invasive haemodynamic monitoring and IABP insertion prior to delivery. Intra-aortic balloon pump support had a profound immediate decrease in her systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance allowing for a successful repeat caesarean delivery. Her haemodynamics remained stable after IABP removal and pulmonary pressures improved. She was discharged one week following her delivery on guideline-directed medical therapy.

Discussion

Our case highlights the use of prophylactic intrapartum IABP in combined anthracycline-induced and PPCM and begins to explore its safety and efficacy in this high-risk patient population.

Intra-aortic balloon pump still has a role in late-onset myocardial infarction complicated by ventricular septal rupture with intractable heart failure: a case report

BACKGROUND

The current guidelines have discouraged the routine use of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in cardiogenic shock complicating acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Since then, the trend of IABP utilization in ACS has been declining. Nevertheless, the guidelines still preserve the recommendation of IABP use in hemodynamic instability or cardiogenic shock caused by post myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular septal rupture (VSR).

CASE PRESENTATION

A 46-years-old diabetic Southeast Asian female was referred from a peripheral facility with intractable heart failure despite treatment with vasoactive agents and diuretics for five days. The ECG suggested a recent anteroseptal myocardial infarction with normal high-sensitivity troponin-I value. The echocardiography detected a regional wall motion abnormality and a 10 mm wide ventricular septal defect. Invasive coronary angiography revealed a severe two-vessel coronary artery disease. We planned a delayed surgical strategy with preoperative optimization using IABP as a bridge to surgery. IABP implantation followed by significant hemodynamic improvement and rapid resolution of heart failure without any inotrope support. Afterwards, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and VSR surgical repair were performed. We safely removed IABP on the third postoperative day with proper weaning and minimal vasoactive support.

CONCLUSION

We report a case where IABP still provided benefits for a patient with intractable heart failure caused by undetermined onset MI complicated by VSR. The use of IABP in such a case is in accordance with the recommendation of the current guidelines. Several studies showed that IABP use during preoperative optimization in the case of post-MI VSR was associated with survival benefits.

Effect of peri-operative intra-aortic balloon pump in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting on outcomes in a resource limited setting

INTRODUCTION

Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) insertion for diminished myocardial function is standard of care in cardiac surgery. Previous studies have suggested a possible benefit to IABP support before surgery with regards to outcomes and complications. However, there are conflicts with other studies suggesting no significant benefit. Optimal time of insertion, whether preoperative or perioperative (intra-operative and post-operative), has yet to be defined.

METHODOLOGY

A retrospective, hospital records-based chart review was conducted for patients admitted to our center from January 2015 to December 2019 for coronary bypass surgery necessitating IABP insertion. Cases were stratified according to the timing of insertion and analyzed according to surgical outcomes and complication rates.

RESULTS

Out of 97 patients, 84.5% underwent preoperative IABP insertion while 15.5% of patients received perioperative (Intra-operative or post-operative) insertion. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with perioperative IABP insertion as compared to the preoperative group (60% vs 20.7%, p = 0.003). However, there were no significant differences between 30-day readmission rates in the two groups (9.8% vs 6.7%, p = 1.000). Length of stay was also higher in patients with preoperative insertion of IABP (p = 0.032), with no significant difference in ICU stay (p = 0.107). Perioperative IABP patients had higher rates of arrhythmias (46.7%, p = 0.042) and reopening of patient (33.3%, p = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows improved mortality in patients with preoperatively inserted IABP. This may be beneficial for high-risk patients undergoing CABG surgery. Expanding the use of IABP before CABG in third world countries such as Pakistan may improve overall survival for patients.

Role of acute mechanical circulatory support devices in cardiogenic shock

Cardiogenic shock is a state of low cardiac output that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A considerable proportion of patients with cardiogenic shock respond poorly to medical management and require acute mechanical circulatory support (AMCS) devices to improve tissue perfusion as well as to support the heart. In the last two decades, many new AMCS devices have been introduced to support the right, left, and both ventricles. All these devices vary in terms of the support they provide to the body and heart, mechanism of functioning, method of insertion, and adverse events. In this review, we compare and contrast the available percutaneous and surgically placed AMCS devices used in cardiogenic shock and discuss the associated clinical and hemodynamic data to make a conscious decision about choosing a device.

Impact of prophylactic intra-aortic balloon pump on early outcomes in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to analyse whether prophylactic preoperative intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) improves outcomes in hemodynamically stable patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤30%) undergoing elective myocardial revascularization (CABG) using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Secondary aim was to identify the predictors for low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS).

METHODS

Prospectively collected data of 207 consecutive patients with LVEF ≤30% undergoing elective isolated CABG with CPB from 01/2009 to 12/2019, 136 with and 71 patients without IABP, were retrieved retrospectively. Patients with prophylactic IABP were matched 1:1 with patients without IABP by a propensity score matching. Stepwise logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors of postoperative LCOS in the propensity-matched cohort. P value ≤0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Reduced postoperative LCOS (9.9% vs. 26.8%, P = 0.017) was observed in patients receiving prophylactic IABP. Stepwise logistic regression identified preoperative IABP as preventive factor for postoperative LCOS [Odds Ratio (OR) 0.19,95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.06-0.55, P = 0.004]. The need of vasoactive and inotropic support was lower in patients with prophylactic IABP at 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery (12.3 [8.2-18.6] vs. 22.2 [14.4-28.8], P < 0.001, 7.7 [3.3-12.3] vs.16.3 [8.9-27.8], P < 0.001 and 2.4 [0-7] vs. 11.5 [3.1-26], P < 0.001, respectively). The patients in both groups did not differ in terms of in-hospital mortality (7.0% vs. 9.9%, P = 0.763). There were no major IABP-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Elective patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤30% undergoing CABG with CPB and prophylactic IABP insertion had less low cardiac output syndrome and similar in-hospital mortality.

Concomitant Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping Significantly Reduces Left Ventricular Pressure during Central Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation-Results from a Large Animal Model

(1) Introduction: Simultaneous ECMO and IABP therapy is frequently used. Haemodynamic changes responsible for the success of the concomitant mechanical circulatory support system approach are rarely investigated. In a large-animal model, we analysed haemodynamic parameters before and during ECMO therapy, comparing central and peripheral ECMO circulation with and without simultaneous IABP support. (2) Methods: Thirty-three female pigs were divided into five groups: (1) SHAM, (2) (peripheral)ECMO(-)IABP, (3) (p)ECMO(+)IABP, (4) (central)ECMO(-)IABP, and (5) (c)ECMO(+)IABP. Pigs were cannulated in accordance with the group and supported with ECMO (±IABP) for 10 h. Systemic haemodynamics, cardiac index (CI), and coronary and carotid artery blood flow were determined before, directly after, and at five and ten hours on extracorporeal support. Systemic inflammation (IL-6; IL-10; TNFα; IFNγ), immune response (NETs; cf-DNA), and endothelial injury (ET-1) were also measured. (3) Results: IABP support during antegrade ECMO circulation led to a significant reduction of left ventricular pressure in comparison to retrograde flow in (p)ECMO(-)IABP and (p)ECMO(+)IABP. Blood flow in the left anterior coronary and carotid artery was not affected by extracorporeal circulation. (4) Conclusions: Concomitant central ECMO and IABP therapy leads to significant reduction of intracavitary cardiac pressure, reduces cardiac work, and might therefore contribute to improved recovery in ECMO patients.

Still a place for aortic counterpulsation in cardiac surgery and patients with cardiogenic shock?

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2021. Other selected articles can be found online at https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2021 . Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from https://link.springer.com/bookseries/8901 .

Mechanical Support in Early Cardiogenic Shock: What Is the Role of Intra-aortic Balloon Counterpulsation?

Purpose of Review

We aim to summarize recent insights and provide an up-to-date overview on the role of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation in cardiogenic shock (CS).

Recent Findings

In the largest randomized controlled trial (RCT) of patients with CS after acute myocardial infarction (AMICS), IABP did not lower mortality. However, recent data suggest a role for IABP in patients who have persistent ischemia after revascularization. Moreover, in the growing population of CS not caused by acute coronary syndrome (ACS), multiple retrospective studies and one small RCT report on significant hemodynamic improvement following (early) initiation of IABP support, which allowed bridging of most patients to recovery or definitive therapies like heart transplant or a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

Summary

Routine use of IABP in patients with AMICS is not recommended, but many patients with CS either from ischemic or non-ischemic cause may benefit from IABP at least for hemodynamic improvement in the short term. There is a need for a larger RCT regarding the role of IABP in selected patients with ACS, as well as in patients with non-ACS CS.

Concomitant ECMO And IABP Support in Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock Patients

OBJECTIVES

Simultaneous mechanical circulatory support (MCS) with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is common in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS). This study aimed to analyse the effect of concomitant ECMO and IABP therapy on the short-term outcomes of patients with PCS.

METHODS

Between March 2006 and March 2017, 172 consecutive patients with central (c) or peripheral (p) veno-arterial ECMO therapy due to PCS were identified at the current institution and included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into ECMO+IABP and ECMO alone groups. Further, the impact of ECMO flow direction was analysed for the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 129 patients received ECMO+IABP support and 43 patients were treated with ECMO alone. Median ECMO duration did not differ between the groups (68 [34; 95] hours ECMO+IABP vs 44 [20; 103] hours ECMO; p=0.151). However, a trend toward a higher weaning rate was evident in ECMO+IABP patients (75 [58%] ECMO+IABP vs 18 [42%] ECMO; p=0.078). Concomitant IABP support with either cECMO (73% [n=24] cECMO+IABP vs 50% [n=11] ECMO; p=0.098) or pECMO (57% [n=55] ECMO+IABP vs 33% [n=7] ECMO; p=0.056) was also associated with a trend toward a higher weaning rate off ECMO. In-hospital mortality did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSION

This analysis found that, independent of ECMO type, additional IABP support might increase ECMO weaning; however, it did not influence survival in PCS patients. Larger studies are necessary to further analyse the impact of this concomitant MSC therapy on clinical outcomes.

Analysis of risk factors for in-hospital mortality in 177 patients who underwent isolated coronary bypass grafting and received intra aortic balloon pump

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is the most commonly used device for circulatory support of patients with heart disease. The aim of this study evaluated the risk factors for outcomes of patients who underwent isolated coronary bypass grafting and received IABP.

METHODS

One hundred-seventy-seven patients underwent isolated coronary bypass grafting and received intraoperative IABP. All perioperative data were recorded. The primary end-point was in-hospital mortality, while the secondary end-points were the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and hospital length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

In-hospital mortality was 5.6% (10 patients). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for in-hospital mortality were preoperative plasma creatinine level and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (for both p < .05). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI), immediate plasma troponin after operation, numbers of grafts, and CPB time were predicted the hospital LOS, while postoperative AKI, preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction, and immediate plasma troponin after operation were predicted the lengths of ICU stay.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis showed that increased preoperative plasma creatinine, postoperative renal dysfunction, and CPB time negatively affected the outcomes of patients who received intraoperative IABP insertion.

Aortic flow below and visceral circulation during aortic counterpulsation: Evaluation of an in vitro model

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to test a computer-driven cardiovascular model for the evaluation of the visceral flow during intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) assistance.

METHODS

The model includes a systemic and pulmonary circulation as well as a heart contraction model. The straight polyurethane tube aorta had a single visceral while four windkessel components mimicked resistance compliance of the brachiocephalic, renal and sub-mesenteric, pulmonary, and systemic circulation. Twelve flow probes were placed in the circuit to measure pressures and flows with the IABP on and off.

RESULTS

With the balloon off, the meantime to reach the steady state was 48 ± 16 s; with the balloon on, this figure was 178 ± 20 s. The stability of pressure and flow signals was obtained after 72 ± 11 min. The number of cycles of stability of the system was 93 [86-103]. Measurements were reliable either with samples of 10 or 20 beats. Bland Altman method demonstrated the reliability of measurements. Finally, all measurements were comparable to published in vivo data.

CONCLUSION

The presented mock circulation was reliable and gave values with high accuracy both at baseline and during mechanical assistance. This system allows evaluation of the mesenteric flow during IABP, under different clinical/hemodynamic conditions. Nonetheless, its translational potential needs to be further evaluated.

Preoperative Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps in Cardiac Surgery: A Propensity Score Analysis

INTRODUCTION

The role of intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) in high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery remains controversial. We report the 5-year experience from a new Australian centre.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 690 patients undergoing urgent isolated CABG surgery at a Western Australian tertiary centre from February 2015 to May 2020. De-identified data was obtained from the Australia & New Zealand Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons database. Patients were stratified according to preoperative IABP use. A propensity score was created for the probability of IABP use and a propensity adjusted analysis was performed using logistic regression. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were postoperative inhospital outcomes.

RESULTS

Preoperative IABP was used in 78 patients (11.3%). After propensity score adjustment, in a subgroup of patients with reduced ejection fraction or left main disease, 30-day mortality (7.0% vs 2.0%, OR 6.03, 95% CI 1.89-19.28, p=0.002) was significantly higher in the IABP group. Red blood cell transfusions (19.7% vs 12.6%, OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.02-3.35, p=0.039), prolonged inotrope use (78.9% vs 50.9%, OR 6.11, 95% CI 2.77-13.48, p<0.001), prolonged invasive ventilation (28.2% vs 3.4%, OR 20.2, 95% CI 8.24-49.74, p<0.001), mesenteric ischaemia (2.8% vs 0%, OR 4.52, 95% CI 1.15-17.77, p=0.031) and multisystem organ failure (1.3% vs 0.7%, OR 25.68, 95% CI 2.55-258.34, p=0.006) were significantly higher in the IABP group.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing isolated CABG surgery, preoperative IABP use was associated with increased 30-day mortality and adverse outcomes. Large randomised controlled trials are required to confirm our findings.

Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery surgery in octogenarians (from the KROK Registry)

Background

According to the medical literature, both on-pump and off-pump coronary artery surgery is safe and effective in octogenarians.

Objectives

The aim of our study was to examine the epidemiology, in-hospital outcomes and long-term follow-up results in octogenarians undergoing off-pump and on-pump coronary artery surgery utilizing nationwide registry data.

Methods

All octogenarians (≥ 80 years) enrolled in the Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgical Procedures (KROK Registry), who underwent isolated coronary surgery between January 2006 and September 2017 were identified. Preoperative data, perioperative complications, hospital mortality and long-term mortality were analyzed. Unadjusted and propensity-matched comparisons were performed between octogenarians undergoing off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

Results

Octogenarians accounted for 4.1% of the total population undergoing coronary artery surgery in Poland during the analyzed period (n = 152,631) and this percentage is increasing. Among 6,006 analyzed patients, 2,744 (45.7%) were operated on-pump and 3,262 (54.3%) were operated off-pump. Propensity-matched analysis revealed that patients operated on-pump were more often reoperated due to postoperative bleeding and their in-hospital mortality was higher (6.6% vs 4.5%, p = 0.006 and 8.7% vs 5.8%, p = 0.001, respectively). Long-term all-cause mortality was lower among patients operated off-pump (p = 0.013).

Conclusion

On the basis of our findings we suggest that off pump technique should be considered as perfectly acceptable in octogenarians.

Early Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Myocardial Revascularization for Acute Coronary Syndromes Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock: A Report From the North-Rhine-Westphalia Surgical Myocardial Infarction Registry

Background

Coronary artery bypass grafting for acute coronary syndrome complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with a high mortality. This registry study aimed to distinguish between early surgical outcomes of CS patients with non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods and Results

Patients with NSTEMI (n=1218) or STEMI (n=618) referred for coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled in a prospective multicenter registry between 2010 and 2017. CS was present in 227 NSTEMI (18.6%) and 243 STEMI patients (39.3%). Key clinical end points were in‐hospital mortality (IHM) and major adverse cardiocerebral events (MACCEs). Predictors for IHM and MACCEs were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. STEMI patients with CS were younger, had a lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus and multivessel disease, and exhibited higher myocardial injury (troponin 9±17 versus 3±6 ng/mL) before surgery compared with patients with NSTEMI (P<0.05). Emergency coronary artery bypass grafting was performed more often in STEMI (58%) versus NSTEMI (40%; P=0.002). On‐pump surgery with cardioplegia was the preferred surgical technique in CS. IHM and MACCE rates were 24% and 49% in STEMI patients with CS and were higher compared with NSTEMI (IHM 15% versus MACCE 34%; P<0.001). Predictors for IHM and MACCE in CS were a reduced ejection fraction and a higher European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score.

Conclusions

Surgical revascularization in NSTEMI and STEMI patients with CS is associated with a substantial but not prohibitive IHM and MACCE rate. Worse early outcomes were found for patients with STEMI complicated by CS compared with NSTEMI patients.

Intraoperative intra-aortic balloon pump improves 30-day outcomes of patients undergoing extensive coronary endarterectomy

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been proven in high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, data on the timing and benefits of IABP support in diffuse coronary artery disease after CABG combined with coronary endarterectomy (CE) remain scarce. This retrospective study assessed the effect of intraoperative or postoperative IABP on 30-day outcomes of off-pump CABG+CE.

METHODS

From January 2012 to December 2018, 546 patients undergone off-pump CABG+CE were divided into control group (n = 437) and IABP group (n = 109). Risk factors for 30-day outcomes were evaluated. Subgroup analysis from IABP group was conducted to identify the effect of timing IABP on 30-day outcomes.

RESULTS

CE on left anterior descending branch of coronary artery (LAD) (OR = 3.079, 95% CI 1.077-8.805, P = 0.036), CE with≥2 vessels (OR = 9.123, 95% CI 3.179-26.033, P < 0.001) and length of atherosclerotic plaque ≥3 cm (OR = 16.017, 95% CI 5.941-43.183, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for postoperative acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 30-day mortality. Comparing with intraoperative IABP support, postoperative IABP support (OR = 3.987, 95% CI1.194-13.317, P = 0.025) was closely associated with postoperative AMI and 30-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients undergone off-pump CABG and extensive CE (CE on LAD, CE ≥2 vessels and length of atherosclerotic plaque ≥3 cm), intraoperative IABP support may improve 30-day outcomes.

Preoperative Use of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Support Reduced 30-Day Mortality in a Population with LVEF >35% and High Surgical Risk after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Introduction: The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is used to prevent complications after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, although some results are controversial and basal ventricular function may play a role. This study assessed the benefit of preoperative use of IABP, as stratified by the ventricular function, in a population submitted to high-surgical-risk CABG. Methods: Patients >18 years old, with multiple coronary artery disease and thus candidates for CABG, were included. Cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute ventricle mechanical dysfunction, severe aortic regurgitation, tachyarrhythmia, massive pulmonary embolism, coagulopathy, or low life expectancy were exclusion criteria. Results: One hundred and twenty-nine patients aged 65 years old with hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 46% constituted the study population. No difference was observed at 30-day mortality endpoint (IABP vs. no IABP, 17 vs. 24%, OR 0.63, p = 0.20; AMI 25 vs. 31%, OR 0.75, p = 0.29). After LVEF stratification, the subgroup of 48 (75%) patients under IABP support and LVEF >35% had a reduced 30-day mortality risk (LVEF ≤35% vs. LVEF >35%, 37.5 vs. 10.4%, OR 0.3, p = 0.03), independently from potential confounders and showing an interaction with European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation-II (EuroSCORE-II). At secondary endpoints, IABP use was associated with a lower prevalence of acute renal failure and renal replacement therapy, but with a longer stay in the intensive care unit and longer hospitalization time. Conclusion: The preoperative use of IABP was associated with an independent reduction of 30-day mortality risk in cases with LVEF >35% in a population submitted to high-surgical-risk CABG. Likewise, the use of IABP was associated with a lower risk of postoperative renal complications.

Outcomes after intra-aortic balloon pump insertion in cardiac surgery patients

Objective

To assess whether preoperative versus intraoperative insertion of an intra-aortic balloon pump is associated with lower 30-day mortality or reduced length of hospital stay among patients who had an intra-aortic balloon pump inserted for cardiac surgery.

Methods

This was an observational study of patients who had an intra-aortic balloon pump inserted in the preoperative or intraoperative period of cardiac surgery in our department between 2000 and 2012. We assessed the association between preoperative versus intraoperative insertion of an intra-aortic balloon pump and 30-day mortality in a multivariable logistic regression analysis, including preoperative New York Heart Association class, postoperative atrial fibrillation, reoperation, postoperative creatinine and isolated coronary bypass grafting as cofactors. We used a multivariate linear model to assess whether a preoperative versus intraoperative intra-aortic balloon pump was associated with length of postoperative hospital stay, adjusting for reoperation, isolated coronary bypass grafting, heart valve surgery, sex, age, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp time, preoperative patients’ status (elective, urgency or emergency surgery) and preoperative myocardial infarction.

Results

Overall, 7,540 consecutive patients underwent open heart surgery in our department, and an intra-aortic balloon pump was inserted pre- or intraoperatively in 322 (4.2%) patients. The mean age was 67 ± 10.2 years old, the 30-day mortality was 12.7%, and the median length of hospital stay was 9 days (7 - 13). Preoperative versus intraoperative intra-aortic balloon pump insertion did not affect the incidence of 30-day mortality (adjusted OR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.15 - 3.12; p = 0.63) and length of postoperative hospital stay (β = 5.3; 95%CI, -1.6 to 12.8; p = 0.13).

Conclusion

Preoperative insertion of an intra-aortic balloon pump was not associated with a lower 30-day mortality or reduced length of postoperative hospital stay compared to intraoperative insertion.

Superior mesenteric and renal flow patterns during intra-aortic counterpulsation

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Visceral ischaemia is one of the most feared complications during use of an intra-aortic balloon pump. Using an animal model, we measured the flows at the abdominal level directly and examined flow patterns to enable investigation of flow patterns during the use of the intra-aortic balloon pump. What is the main finding and its importance? We show that there is a significant balloon-related reduction in superior mesenteric flow in both early and mid-diastole.

ABSTRACT

A number of previous studies have shown that blood flow in the visceral arteries is altered during intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) treatment. We used a porcine model to analyse the pattern of blood flow into the visceral arteries during IABP use. For this purpose, we measured the superior mesenteric, right renal and left renal flows before and during IABP support, using surgically placed flowmeters surrounding these visceral arteries. The superior mesenteric flow significantly decreased in early diastole (P < 0.001) and in mid-diastole (P = 0.003 versus early diastole), whereas in late diastole it increased again (P < 0.001 versus mid-diastole). During systole, the flow was not significantly increased compared with late diastole (P = 0.51), but it was significantly lower than at baseline (both P < 0.001). Flows did not differ between right and left kidneys. Perfusion of either kidney did not change significantly in early diastole (P > 0.05), whereas it decreased significantly in mid-diastole (P < 0.001), rising dramatically in late diastole (P < 0.001) and with an additional slight increase in systole (P = 0.054). This study provides important insights into abdominal flows during intra-aortic pump counterpulsation. Furthermore, it supports the need to rethink the balloon design to avoid visceral ischaemia during circulatory assistance.

Mechanical support for high-risk coronary artery bypass grafting

Mechanical circulatory support devices are being used to an increasing extent. The use of these devices as an adjunct to cardiac surgery to support ventricular function has contributed to improved outcomes for the highest risk patients. In the context of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, there are several potential indications for mechanical circulatory support: preoperatively in the setting of acute cardiogenic shock, or in patients with intractable angina with or without haemodynamic compromise; at induction of anaesthesia prophylactically in patients with critical coronary anatomy and/or severely impaired left ventricular function; intraoperatively in the setting of failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass; or postoperatively in patients who develop an intractable low cardiac output state. The use of the intra-aortic balloon pump, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, TandemHeart, Impella and central ventricular assist devices will be considered in the setting of high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Prophylactic intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation before surgical myocardial revascularization in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Introduction:

Prophylactic intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (pIABC) is recommended for high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Criteria for high-risk patients benefiting from pIABC are unclear. This study aimed to specifically describe the effect of pIABC on outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing CABG.

Methods:

In 178 of 484 AMI patients (non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction [NSTEMI] or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] ≤5 days before surgery) without cardiogenic shock who underwent CABG between 2008 and 2013, pIABC was initiated preoperatively. After propensity score matching, the outcomes of 400 patients were analyzed (pIABC: 150; Control: 250).

Results:

After propensity score matching, baseline and operative characteristics were balanced between the groups except for a higher rate of patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)≤30% in the pIABC group (26% vs. Control: 13%; p=0.032). Seven point two percent (7.2%) of the control patients received an IABP intraoperatively or postoperatively. Postoperative extracorporeal life support (ECLS) was only needed in the control group (1.2% vs. 0%; p=0.01). Postoperative plasma curves of troponin I, creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase isoform MB (CK-MB) levels were reduced in the pIABC group compared with the control group. In-hospital mortality was reduced in the pIABC group (3.3% vs. control: 6.4%; p=0.18). After multivariate adjustment for other preoperative risk factors, pIABC was significantly protective concerning in-hospital mortality (HR 0.56; 95%-CI 0.023-0.74; p=0.021). Mortality (pIABC vs. control) was more affected in patients with preoperative LVEF≤30% (2/36 (5.6%) vs. 6/31 (19%); heart rate (HR) 0.25; 95%-CI 0.046-1.3; p=0.13) compared with LVEF>30% (3/114 (2.6%) vs. 10/219 (4.6%); HR 0.56; 95%-CI 0.15-2.1; p=0.55). Long-term survival did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions:

pIABC in CABG for AMI is associated with reduced perioperative cardiac injury and in-hospital mortality. Long-term survival is not affected.

Vascular complications following intra-aortic balloon pump implantation: an updated review

Background:

The use of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) as a support device remains controversial due to the fact that a number of studies have shown no benefit in end mortality whilst using this device. One of the reasons for this could be the increase in vascular complications when using the pump. Therefore, the aim of the present review was to assess the current literature available with regards to IABP vascular complications during the clinical situation.

Methods:

A literature search was performed, searching for IABP complications in adult human studies between 1990 and 2016.

Results:

A total of 20 reports were identified as fitting the criteria of this study. The majority of vascular complications were limb ischemia, bleeding or mesenteric ischemia. The overall incidence of vascular complications ranged from 0.94% to 31.1%. Diabetes, peripheral vascular disease and hypertension, as well as smoking were all identified as risk factors for complications following IABP. Furthermore, studies supported the use of sheathless balloon insertion to reduce the risk of complications.

Conclusion:

Major vascular complications, including limb and mesenteric ischemia as well as bleeding and hemorrhage, have been associated with IABP. However, the incidence of these complications was generally low. Further studies are still required to truly understand the risk/benefit associated with the use of IABP.