Intraaortic balloon counterpulsation in acute myocardial infarction

Intraaortic ballon counterpulsation was undertaken in 24 patients with acute myocardial infarction. The patients were divided into four groups: severe left ventricular dysfunction (11 patients), mechanical lesions (6), intractable angina pectoris (6) and refractory ventricular tachycardia (1). The clinical condition and the hemodynamic measurements improved dramatically in 21 patients, but there were only 9 long-term survivors. Intraaortic balloon counterpulsation gave the best results in patients with preinfarction angina pectoris or patients with left ventricular dysfunction where the hemodynamic status deteriorated after an acute but reversible cardiovascular event. Numerous local complications were observed.