Case Report: Pre-emptive intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in patients with aortic regurgitation initiated after cross-clamping during cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract

Preoperative implantation of an intra-aortic balloon pump has been shown to reduce mortality in high-risk cardiac surgery cases. However, one main contraindication for its use is severe aortic regurgitation. We describe a case of safe and beneficial use in a patient presenting with moderate to severe aortic regurgitation and highly reduced ejection fraction undergoing aortic valve replacement.