Percutaneous intraaortic balloon insertion in patients with aortoiliac disease.

A new technique for percutaneous insertion of intraaortic balloon catheters in patients with tortuous or narrowed external iliac arteries is described. This method uses a long (45 cm) 12F sheath, which extends up to the descending aorta and protects the iliac artery and aorta from injury during insertion of the balloon catheter. Insertion of intraaortic balloon catheters was not possible by conventional percutaneous technique in six patients with severe acute myocardial ischemia. Use of the long sheath approach permitted rapid and successful institution of circulatory support in these patients.