A Retrospective Study on Intra-aortic Balloon Counterpulsation for Low Cardiac Output Syndrome after Open Heart Surgery

Objective To review thirteen patients with postoperative low cardiac output syndrome in our hospital treated with intra - aortic balloon counterpulsation ( IABP) . Methods The hemodynamic data and dosage of inotropics used in all patients prior to and after IABP as well as upon withdraw of IABP were collected and compared. Results IABP significantly improved the patients' hemodynamic status with a decrease in left atrial pressure and heart rate and augmentation of mean arterial blood pressure. Simultaneously, IABP therapy could also reduce the therapeutical use of inotropics. The incidence of vascular complication was only 8. 3% . Blood platelet was decreased to 44. 0% of pre - IABP value. Two patients died during hospitalization and eleven patients survived. Conclusion IABP can effectively improve the hemodynamic status of patients with postoperative low cardiac output syndrome, and decrease the inotropic support as well. The IABP - related vascular complications could be greatly reduced by prophylactic measurements. Thrombo-cytopenia is a clinically significant IABP - related complication.