Effects of intraaortic balloon pumping on coronary and carotid flow during percutaneous cardiopulmonary support.

Previous studies have suggested an improved clinical outcome when percutaneous cardiopulmonary support is combined with intraaortic balloon counterpulsation in patients with cardiogenic shock. We evaluated the effect of combined intraaortic balloon counterpulsation and percutaneous cardiopulmonary support therapy on coronary and cerebral blood flow by Doppler measurements in the coronary and the carotid arteries in a patient with cardiac arrest. During pacemaker stimulation, intraaortic balloon counterpulsation in addition to percutaneous cardiopulmonary support markedly improved coronary and carotid blood flow. Possible mechanisms are discussed.