An Old Problem, an Old Device, but Perhaps a New Indication? Intra-Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation for Intracoronary Thrombus.

A case is presented of ST-elevation myocardial infarction without shock, due to right coronary artery thrombotic occlusion, in which the unusual step was taken with the use of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) following coronary intervention, which was associated with prevention of further ischemia, angiographic evidence of thrombus resolution, and maintained TIMI 3 flow, in a patient with limited other apparent options. Further investigation into this strategy might be considered.