Efficacy of intra-aortic balloon pumping for failing Fontan circulation.

The Fontan circulation occasionally cannot be sustained by currently available medical treatment. In these circumstances, mechanical assistance to the Fontan circulation should be considered. We have experienced three cases where Fontan circulation was assisted by intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP). The hemodynamic improvement and weaning from IABP were successfully achieved in all cases. One patient survived the serious postoperative course with the aid of IAPB, and two patients died following multiorgan failure, though the circulation had eventually been re-established. By studying the postoperative hemodynamics assisted by IABP, it is concluded that IABP is a reasonable, efficacious strategy to support and to re-establish the failing Fontan circulation, though the changes in hemodynamic variables will not immediately coincide with IABP application.