[Intra-aortic balloon pumping in 48 patients with heart failure].

48 patients with heart failure were supported by intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) from 1985 to 1993. The disease included rheumatic (39 patients), congenital (7) and coronary hearts (2). The average time of supporting with IABP was 27 hours, 23 patients (48%) survied inclading 19 patients with postoperative lower cardiac output syndrome. Hemodynamics was improved. IABP increased cardiac output syndrome, and hemodynamics was improved. IABP increased cardiac output (50%), cardiac index (60%), stroke volume (50%), stroke volume index (60%) and decreased left atrial pressure or pulmonary wedge pressure. The mortality was 25 patients (52%). The death causes were as follows: arrhythmia (4), renal failure (6), lung failure (2), DIC (1), and the other (12). The main complication of IABP was lower limb ischemia particularly in surgical cut-down method to establish IABP. The analysis indicated that the temporary pacing maker with IABP could prevent some arrhythmia such as frequent premature ventricular beats. Lower limb ischemia and renal failure should receive much attention because they are easy to be confused with shock symptom when IABP.