Insertion of the intra-aortic balloon through the ascending aorta and its removal under local anesthesia.

Recent experience indicates that the intra-aortic balloon catheter, which is commonly inserted percutaneously into a femoral artery, can be inserted into the ascending aorta, despite lack of space because of the presence of the aortic cannula and coronary artery bypass grafts. Insertion is simple and removal of the balloon catheter is carried out under local anesthesia without opening the sternum.