Vascular evaluation for balloon pumping.

The effectiveness of intraaortic balloon counterpulsation is reduced frequently by arterial insufficiency following balloon insertion and occasionally by inability to pass the balloon centrally from a peripheral site. From a series of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, a subgroup with increased likelihood of needing balloon counterpulsation can be selected. Patients so chosen have received one aortoiliac injection of contrast material at the time of cardiac catheterization. Impressive degrees of vessel irregularity and stenosis on an atherosclerotic basis and of tortuosity of normal lumen size have been noted. Such information, gathered at little additional risk or irradiation, is considered to be important in the subsequent choice of sides for transfemoral insertion and may rule out attempted passage of the balloon by this route, directing the surgeon to a deliberate, prompt, transabdominal or thoracic aortic insertion if necessary.