Feasibility of pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation via the percutaneous route: pathological studies on the heart and lungs.

The efficacy of pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation (PABC) has been previously demonstrated. Clinically this is usually achieved by suturing a Dacron graft to the side of the pulmonary artery with an intra-aortic balloon pulsating inside the graft. PABC via the percutaneous route has not been previously reported, although it has been demonstrated experimentally that an intrapulmonary artery balloon inserted via the outflow of the right ventricle provides effective counterpulsation. The morphologic effects of PABC on the heart and lungs have not been previously demonstrated. This study evaluates the feasibility of PABC via the percutaneous route and assesses the morphologic changes of PABC on the heart and lungs of pigs. Results indicate that PABC via the percutaneous route is technically feasible. However, after 24 h of PABC morphologic changes occurred in the heart and lungs, consisting of valvular and mural thrombi and hemorrhage. Histopathologic evaluation of the lungs revealed interstitial and intra-alveolar hemorrhage and pulmonary emboli. The etiology of these pathologic changes are likely multifactorial. Further studies are necessary to fully delineate the short and long term effects of PABC prior to initiation of clinical trials with this new percutaneous assist device.