Intra-aortic Balloon Pump Implantation Research Articles

LV distention on VA-ECMO, what to do?

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasingly applied for the treatment of cardiogenic shock despite its high complication rate. 1 The lack of left ventricular unloading is one of the serious problems associated with the poor outcome of VA-ECMO. Therefore, hemodynamic management during VA-ECMO should address the higher afterload caused by the retrograde blood flow and the consequent left ventricular distension. In fact, the blood stasis can result in ventricle or pulmonary thrombosis. Moreover, a high end-diastolic pressure can cause pulmonary venous congestion and lung injury, as well as subendocardial malperfusion and consequently impair recovery. Possible strategies to unload the left ventricle include inotropic support or intra-aortic balloon pump implantation, as described in 135 cases by Gass and colleagues. 2 Surgical left ventricle venting can be performed with the cannulation of the left atrium or the left ventricle although this strategy is highly invasive. Blade at...

Gastrointestinal Bleeding During the Index Hospitalization for Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices Implantation, a Nationwide Perspective.

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common adverse event after mechanical circulatory support device implantation. However, the majority of the reported data were obtained from small single-center studies. Our aim was to study the prevalence and predictors of GIB during the index hospitalization of mechanical circulatory support devices implantation using a nationwide database. Nationwide inpatient sample (2009-2011) was used to perform a retrospective cross-sectional study. Adult patients with discharge diagnosis codes of congestive heart failure and procedure codes of left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) or intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) implantation or orthotopic heart transplant (OHT, reference group) were identified. Our outcome was GIB during the index hospitalization when the device was implanted. Predictors that achieved statistical significance on the univariate analysis were included in a multivariable logistic-regression analysis. A total of 87,462 patients were included, 87% of the patients received an IABP, 6% received LVAD, and 5% underwent OHT. Prevalence of GIB was 8, 5, and 3% among those who had LVAD, IABP implantation, and OHT recipients, respectively (p<0.001). Patients who underwent LVAD implantation had twofold increase in the prevalence of GIB (OR 2.1, 1.7-2.5, p<0.001) when using IABP or OHT groups as a reference. This increase in the prevalence was not demonstrated among IABP recipients on a multivariate level. Prevalence of GIB was higher among LVAD compared to OHT and IABP recipients and could occur as early as the index admission of the device implantation.

Outcome analysis for prediction of early and long-term survival in patients receiving intra-aortic balloon pumping after cardiac surgery.

BackgroundPatients requiring an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) after cardiac surgery are critically ill and need a prolonged ICU stay. Considering limited health care resources, the early identification of patients with an extremely poor prognosis is important as a solid base for the decision whether further aggressive continuation or cessation of the therapy is recommendable.MethodsFrom 2001 to 2007, 552 patients with low-output syndrome after open-heart surgery and IABP implantation in OR or within 24 h thereafter on ICU were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThe overall mortality at 30 and 180-day were 31 and 40 %, respectively. According to multivariate analyses, following factors were used to generate an IABP score: female gender, age ≥70 years, simultaneous coronary and valve surgery, aortic cross-clamp time >120 min., need of norepinephrin more than 0.4 µg kg−1 min−1, postoperative dialysis, and maximal serum creatinine kinase >3000 mg mL−1. The 30-day mortality continuously increased along the score (10.1 % for score = 0, n = 98; 11.8 % for score = 1, n = 144; 27.5 % for score = 2, n = 153; 40.4 % score = 3, n = 89; 65.2 % for score = 4, n = 46; 77.8 % for score = 5, n = 27) and reached 100 % for all patients with a score of 6 (n = 4).ConclusionsPrediction of 30 days mortality was possible with our scoring system based on multivariate analysis, and patients with scores of 4 or greater had remarkably worse early and late survival.

Predictors of mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation.

Cardiogenic shock remains the most serious complication of patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Early revascularization is the cornerstone of invasive therapy, while mechanical support with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is debatable. From our institutional shock registry we sought to determine predictors of in-hospital mortality-including the aspect of IABP timing-and to develop a clinical risk score for shock patients with AMI. From January 2005 till December 2010, 102 patients with cardiogenic shock due to AMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and IABP were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression analysis and receiver-operating curves were used to generate a mortality risk score. The mean age of the cohort was 70.1 ± 11.0 years and 70 % were men. One third of patients had a non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and 30 % had to be resuscitated before coronary intervention. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 25 %. After admission, 23 % of patients developed an acute renal failure and 10 % needed renal dialysis during hospital stay. In 52 % of patients IABP therapy was initiated after primary PCI, while the remaining patients had an IABP-assisted primary PCI. All-cause in-hospital mortality was 40.2 %. Using multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] 1.08, p = 0.006), resuscitation before PCI (OR 3.46, p = 0.045), vasopressor use (OR 7.88, p = 0.003), acute renal failure (OR 11.18, p = 0.001), and IABP implantation after PCI (OR 4.36, p = 0.011) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. Based on these predictors, a mortality-risk score was calculated as follows: 1.5 × IABP timing before PCI + 0.1 × age + resuscitation before PCI + 2 × vasopressor use + 2.5 × acute renal failure. Using a cut-off value of 10.4, this score had a specificity of 83 % and a sensitivity of 82 % for prediction of in-hospital death. We identified age, vasopressor use, resuscitation before PCI, acute renal failure and IABP implantation after PCI as independent predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock due to AMI. The timing of IABP insertion was the only modifiable factor predicting in-hospital mortality in our cohort. Consequently, balloon pumping should be started before PCI to improve outcome of cardiogenic shock patients.

Preoperative intra-aortic counterpulsation in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials†.

In contrast to the results of previous studies, recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) failed to show a benefit of prophylactic aortic counterpulsation in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The present analysis aims to redefine the effects of this treatment modality in the light of this new evidence. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL/CCTR, Google Scholar and reference lists of relevant articles were searched for full-text articles of RCTs in English or German. Assessments for eligibility, relevance, study validity and data extraction were performed by two reviewers independently using prespecified criteria. The primary outcome was hospital mortality. A total of nine eligible RCTs with 1171 patients were identified: 577 patients were treated preoperatively with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and 594 patients served as controls. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for hospital mortality (22 hospital deaths in the intervention arm, 54 in the control group) was 0.381 (95% CI 0.230-0.629; P < 0.001). The pooled analyses of five RCTs including only patients undergoing isolated on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (n[IABP] = 348, n[control] = 347) also showed a statistically significant improvement in mortality for preoperative IABP implantation (fixed-effects model: OR 0.267, 95% CI 0.129-0.552, P < 0.001). The pooled OR for hospital mortality from two randomized off-pump trials was 0.556 (fixed-effects model, 95% CI 0.207-1.493, P = 0.226). Preoperative aortic counterpulsation was associated with a significant reduction in low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) in the total population (fixed-effects model: OR 0.330, 95% CI 0.214-0.508, P < 0.001) as well as in the subgroup of CAGB patients (fixed-effects model: OR 0.113, 95% CI 0.056-0.226, P < 0.001), whereas there was no benefit in the off-pump population (fixed-effects model: OR 0.555, 95% CI 0.209-1.474, P = 0.238). Preoperative IABP implantation was associated with a reduction of intensive care unit (ICU) stay in all investigated populations with a greater effect in the total population [fixed-effects model: standard mean difference (SMD) -0.931 ± 0.198, P < 0.001] as well as in the subgroup of CAGB patients (fixed-effects model: SMD -1.240 ± 0.156, P < 0.001), compared with the off-pump group (fixed-effects model: SMD -0.723 ± 0.128, P < 0.001). Despite contradictory results from recent trials, the present study confirms the findings of previous meta-analyses that prophylactic aortic counterpulsation reduces hospital mortality, incidence of LCOS and ICU requirement in high-risk patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery. However, owing to small sample sizes and the lack of a clear-cut definition of high-risk patients, an adequately powered, prospective RCT is necessary to find a definite answer to the question, if certain groups of patients undergoing cardiac surgery benefit from a prophylactic IABP insertion.

Increased risk for vascular complications due to GP IIb/IIIa-antagonists in patients with cardiogenic shock supported by intraaortic balloon pump (IABP)

BackgroundIABP is routinely used to support coronary blood flow and systemic circulation in patients with cardiogenic shock. Our aim was to explore the incidence of vascular complications associated with the use of IABP in this scenario and their influence on mortality. MethodsTherefor we analysed 204 consecutive patients between 2002 and 2013 treated with IAPB in cardiogenic shock for vascular complications and mortality within 30days after implantation of IAPB. Primary endpoints were severe bleeding (TIMI-definition: intracranial bleeding, loss of haemoglobin (Hb) >5g/dl or haematocrit (PCV) >15%), vascular complications with therapeutic consequence (venous thrombosis, arterial embolism) and stroke. Results80 (39%) patients died within 30days after implantation of IABP. In 42 (21%) patients, vascular complications occurred: severe bleeding was present in 26 patients (62% of all complications), 13 (31%) patients suffered from venous thrombosis or arterial embolism and 3 (7%) patients from stroke. 25% of the patients who died had a vascular complication. The rate in patients who overcame cardiogenic shock was 17.7% (p=0.22). Multivariate analyses showed treatment with Glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa- inhibitors to be an independent risk factor for the occurrence of vascular complications (p=0.04). ConclusionVascular events with the use of IABP are common but in our study, not significantly associated with a higher mortality. Treatment with GP IIb/IIIa-antagonists is associated with a higher risk of vascular events.

Prophylactic Application of an Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background: An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is the most commonly used circulatory assist device in cardiac surgery. We hypothesized that prophylactic application of an IABP improves early clinical outcome of high-risk patients undergoing scheduled off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG). Methods: From January 2010 to December 2013, hemodynamically stable, high-risk patients undergoing scheduled OPCABG with preincision use of an IABP were recruited to the IABP group. Using the propensity score-matching method, every patient in the IABP group was matched with another patient (the control group) with a similar propensity score who received an IABP on an as-needed basis during or after OPCABG. Surgical mortality and major morbidity rates were compared between groups. Results: A total of 116 patient pairs were included in this study. In patients in the IABP group, postoperative low cardiac output and respiratory as well as renal failure were less frequent, intensive care unit stay was shorter, and surgical mortality was lower compared to patients in the control group. In multivariate logistic regression, timing of IABP implantation, as an independent risk factor, was associated with postoperative low cardiac output (OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.28-5.76), respiratory failure (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.19-4.27), renal failure (OR = 2.96, 95% CI 1.51-6.63) and surgical mortality (OR = 2.45, 95% CI 1.42-6.07). Conclusions: Prophylactic application of an IABP improves postoperative cardiac performance, reduces respiratory and renal complications, and consequently lowers surgical mortality in high-risk patients undergoing scheduled OPCABG.

OP-010 Does Intra Aortic Balloon Pump Implantation Influence Survival after Angioplasty of Left Main Coronary Artery in Patients Presented in Cardiogenic Shock

OP-010 Does Intra Aortic Balloon Pump Implantation Influence Survival after Angioplasty of Left Main Coronary Artery in Patients Presented in Cardiogenic Shock

Influence of cardiogenic shock with or without the use of intra-aortic balloon pump on mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BackgroundCardiogenic shock is a serious complication of a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We compared short- and long-term mortality among (1) STEMI patients with and without cardiogenic shock and (2) STEMI patients with cardiogenic shock with and without the use of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). MethodsFrom January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2010, all patients presenting with STEMI and treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were identified. The hazard ratio (HR) for death was estimated using a Cox regression model, controlling for potential confounding. ResultsThe study cohort consisted of 4293 STEMI patients: 286 (6.7%) with and 4007 (93.3%) without cardiogenic shock. Compared with patients without cardiogenic shock, patients with cardiogenic shock were older, and more likely to have diabetes mellitus, multi-vessel disease, anterior myocardial infarction (MI) or bundle-branch block MI and a reduced creatinine clearance.Among patients with cardiogenic shock vs. without shock, 30-day cumulative mortality was 57.3% vs. 4.5% (p<0.001), one-year cumulative mortality was 60.7% vs. 8.2% (p<0.001) and five-year mortality was 65.0% vs. 18.9% (p<0.001). STEMI with cardiogenic shock was associated with higher 30-day mortality (adjusted HR=12.89 [95% CI: 9.72–16.66]), 1-year mortality (adjusted HR=8.83 [95% CI: 7.06–11.05]) and five-year mortality (adjusted HR=6.39 [95% CI: 5.22–7.80]). IABP was used in 71 (25%) patients with cardiogenic shock and was associated with improved 30-day outcome (adjusted HR=0.48 [95% CI: 0.28–0.83]). ConclusionPatients with STEMI and cardiogenic shock had substantial short- and long-term mortality that may be improved with IABP implantation. More studies on use of IABP in such patients are warranted.

Prophylactic intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in cardiac surgery: it is time for clear evidence.

In the previous issue of Critical Care, Yu and colleagues report increased morbidity and mortality in patients after myocardial infarction undergoing prophylactic intra-aortic balloon pump support before coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The impact of prophylactic intra-aortic balloon pump implantation before coronary artery bypass graft therapy still is controversially debated. However, Yu and colleagues emphasize further discussion and substantiate the need for a prospective randomized controlled trial on this subject.

Intra-aortic balloon pump for high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention.

The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was first introduced into clinical practice in 1968.1 Early experimental and clinical trials suggested that intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation could provide circulatory assistance to a failing left ventricle.2,3 Counterpulsation—balloon inflation during diastole and deflation in systole—augments the intrinsic Windkessel effect, whereby potential energy stored in the aortic root during systole is converted to kinetic energy with the elastic recoil of the aortic root. Counterpulsation leads to a decline in afterload, a reduction in cardiac work, and therefore myocardial oxygen requirements of the ventricle. Augmentation of diastolic pressure when the balloon is fully inflated together with reduction in left ventricular (LV) filling pressures contribute to improved coronary perfusion (Figures 1 and 2).4 This proposed improvement in myocardial energetics has been further supported by a significant reduction in systemic lactate.5 These physiological enhancements are thought to be of particular benefit after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), supported by animal studies, which have shown a reduction in infarct size when counterpulsation is used.6,7 Figure 1. Coronary perfusion. Coronary flow is predominantly diastolic and further enhanced by counterpulsation, which augments diastolic blood flow and thus coronary perfusion. In addition, aortic recoil during diastole further improves efficiency of the left ventricle. Figure 2. Systemic arterial pressure waveform on introduction of intra-aortic balloon pump–assisted diastolic augmentation. The intra-aortic balloon pump inflates at the dicrotic notch, leading to peak-augmented diastolic pressure. As the balloon deflates, assisted end diastolic pressure is seen to be lower than unassisted end diastolic pressure and assisted systolic pressure is lower than unassisted systolic pressure. Peak diastolic augmentation should be greater than the unassisted systolic pressure and both assisted pressures should be less than the unassisted pressures. Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation was initially used as a means of supporting patients undergoing surgical revascularization. Percutaneous delivery …

Application of the table format shift sheet in the shift handover among the intra-aortic balloon pump implantation patients

Objective To explore the application effect of the table format shift sheet on the shift handover among the intra-aortic balloon pump （ IABP） implantation patients .Methods The important contents of shift handover in IABP implantation patients were listed in the table format shift sheet , and the shift sheet was used in the process of shift in cardiac care unit （ CCU） for the patients with IABP implantation .Results The integrity rate of the shift content and the nurses ’ assurance rate of understanding the patients ’ conditions were respectively 100%and 95.0%after the application of the table format shift sheet , and were 71.6%and 70.0%before the application , and the differences were statistically significant （χ2 =35.80,17.32, respectively;P〈0.01 ） .The time of shift after the application was shorter than that before the application , and the difference was statistically significant （P 〈0.01）.Conclusions Application of the table format shift sheet including the important data and details of shift content in patients with IABP implantation can make the nurses grasp the key points of shift during the shift handover , and shorten the time of shift , and improve the integrity of the shift content, and enhance the nurses ’ assurance of understanding the patients ’ conditions, and increase the quality of shift in CCU . Key words: Intra-aortic balloon pump; Shift sheet; Nursing quality

Safety and Efficacy of the StarClose Vascular Closure System following 8-Fr Sheath Placement for Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump: A Single-Center Analysis of 42 Consecutive Patients

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of the StarClose device following intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation using 8-Fr femoral sheaths. Subjects and Methods: From June 2008 to August 2012, 42 consecutive patients who received IABP implantation via common femoral artery (CFA) punctures with an 8-Fr sheath (which were then sealed with the StarClose Vascular Closure System at the bedside) were included in this retrospective single-arm study. All the patients underwent duplex control of the puncture site 24 h after deployment of the device, in order to determine the presence or absence of vascular complications including hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula and arterial/venous thrombosis or stenosis. The safety end points were the vascular complications during the hospital stay, and the efficacy end points included device and procedure success. Results: The procedure success rate was 92.9% (39/42) and the device success rate was 88.1% (37/42). Major vascular complications occurred in 3 (7.1%) patients; 1 developed a massive hematoma >10 cm which was managed by blood transfusion and surgical reconstruction, and the other 2 developed pseudoaneurysm which was cured by ultrasound-guided thrombin injection or manual compression. Minor vascular complications occurred in 5 (11.9%) patients, including blood oozing in 2, hematoma <5 cm in 2 and severe pain in the remaining patient. Conclusion: CFA closure with the StarClose device was safe, feasible and effective in patients undergoing IABP support using 8-Fr sheath sizes.

Comparison of Right Versus Left Ventricular Strain Analysis as a Predictor of Outcome in Patients With Systolic Heart Failure Referred for Heart Transplantation

The aim of the present study was to explore the relation between right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) echocardiographic parameters with clinical outcome in patients with advanced heart failure referred for cardiac transplantation. Ninety-eight consecutive patients with advanced systolic heart failure, referred for cardiac transplant evaluation, were enrolled. All patients were prospectively followed for the development of new outcome events, which included hospitalization for acute heart failure, cardiovascular death, heart transplantation, intra-aortic balloon pump implantation, and ventricular assist device implantation. Conventional transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all subjects. RV longitudinal strain (RVLS) by speckle-tracking echocardiography was assessed by averaging all segments in apical 4-chamber view (global RVLS) and by averaging RV free-wall segments (free-wall RVLS). LV global longitudinal and global circumferential strains were also calculated. Of the 98 subjects at baseline, 46 had 67 new events during a mean follow-up of 1.5 ± 0.9years. Free-wall RVLS, global RVLS, N-terminal fragment of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide, RV fractional area change, and LV end-diastolic volume were independently predictive of combined outcomes (all p <0.0001). The overall performance for the prediction of cardiovascular events was greatest for free-wall RVLS (area under the curve free-wall RVLS: 0.87; global RVLS: 0.67; RV fractional area change: 0.60; N-terminal fragment of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide, 0.62; global circumferential strain: 0.55; global longitudinal strain: 0.35; and LV ejection fraction: 0.26). Free-wall RVLS showed the highest adjusted hazards ratio. A graded association between the grade of RV dysfunction and the risk of cardiovascular events was only evident for free-wall RVLS and global RVLS. In conclusion, in patients referred for heart transplantation, RVLS is a stronger predictor of outcome than LV longitudinal strain and other conventional parameters, providing a stronger prognostic stratification.

Percutaneous Placement of an Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump in the Left Axillary/Subclavian Position Provides Safe, Ambulatory Long-Term Support as Bridge to Heart Transplantation

This study evaluated the feasibility, tolerability, and efficacy of a strategy for percutaneous intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) placement through the left axillary-subclavian artery to provide mechanical circulatory support in patients with end-stage heart failure as a bridge to heart transplantation. The transfemoral approach to IABP placement is associated with major disadvantages, including the risk for infection and limitation of patient mobility in those requiring extended support. We developed a percutaneous technique for placing IABPs in the left axillary artery that permits upright sitting and ambulation. We performed a retrospective review of data from patients who had undergone left axillary IABP implantation between 2007 and 2012. Fifty patients who received a left axillary IABP as a bridge to transplantation were identified, of whom 42 (84%) underwent heart or heart-multiorgan transplantation. Cumulative survival on IABP support was 92%, and post-transplant 90-day survival was 90%. Median duration of support was 18 days. Four of 50 patients (8%) died while on IABP support, and 3 (6%) received greater mechanical circulatory support. Four patients (8%) had clinically significant thromboembolic or bleeding events without long-term sequelae. The most common minor adverse event was IABP malposition, in 22 patients (44%). Prolonged IABP support in the heart-transplantation cohort was associated with significant improvements in mean pulmonary artery pressure and in creatinine and total bilirubin concentrations. Percutaneous insertion of an IABP through the left axillary artery is a feasible and relatively well-tolerated strategy to bridge patients with end-stage heart failure to heart transplantation. This form of mechanical-device treatment permits upright sitting and ambulation in those requiring extended support.

Speckle tracking echocardiography as a new technique to evaluate right ventricular function in patients with left ventricular assist device therapy

Right ventricular (RV) systolic function has a critical role in determining the clinical outcome and the success of using left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in patients with refractory heart failure. RV deformation analysis by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has recently allowed a deeper analysis of RV longitudinal function. The aim of the study was to observe RV function by STE in patients with advanced heart failure before and after LVAD implantation. Transthoracic echo Doppler was performed in 10 patients referred for LVAD therapy at baseline and with serial echocardiograms after LVAD implantation. In a sub-group of 4 patients, an echocardiographic evaluation was also made after intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support was initiated and before LVAD implantation. All echocardiographic images were analyzed off-line to calculate the free wall RV longitudinal strain (RVLS). Three patients who presented the lowest free wall RVLS values at baseline, showed a progressive decline of RVLS after LVAD implant, presenting finally RV failure; however, patients with higher values of RVLS at baseline presented a further and overt increase of strain values in the course of follow-up. The overall performance for the prediction of RV failure after LVAD implant was greatest for free wall RVLS (area under the curve, 0.93). For the sub-group receiving the IABP as an intermediate step, only 2 patients with an increase of RVLS after IABP implantation also showed an increase of RVLS levels, after subsequent LVAD implantation. The 2 patients without an increase of RVLS after IABP implantation also presented with RV failure after LVAD therapy. This study of 10 patients indicates that the new parameter of RVLS, representing RV myocardial deformation, may have important clinical implications for the selection and management of LVAD patients. A large multicenter study is required to confirm these observations and to quantify the clinical significance of changes in RVLS value.

Management of patients with acute coronary syndromes in real-world practice in Italy: an outcome research study focused on the use of ANTithRombotic Agents: the MANTRA registry

Although outcomes of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) have greatly improved, bleeding is still an issue. Thus, this study aims to evaluate in-hospital management and outcomes of unselected patients with ACS focusing on antithrombotic therapies and bleeding. From 22 April 2009 to 29 December 2010, 6394 consecutive Italian patients were prospectively enrolled and followed for 6 months. Most patients (55.3%) had non-ST-elevation (NSTE) ACS. Of the ST-elevation (STE) ACS patients, 79.8% received reperfusion (mainly mechanical). In-hospital and 6-month unadjusted total mortality rates were 4.2 and 7.8% for STE-ACS and 2.5 and 6.4% for NSTE-ACS, respectively. During hospitalization, TIMI major bleeding rate was 1.2% (1.4% STE-ACS and 1.1% NSTE-ACS, respectively) and TIMI minor bleeding was 3.1%. In-hospital and 6-month unadjusted total mortality rates were 3.1 and 6.7% for patients without bleeding, 1.5 and 8.6% for minor bleeding, and 19.0 and 26.6% for TIMI major bleeding, respectively (p<0.0001). Notably, TIMI major bleeding was one of the strongest predictors of the 6-month composite end point (death or reinfarction) (STE-ACS hazard ratio, HR, 2.86, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 1.57-5.23; NSTE-ACS HR, 2.71, 95% CI 1.52-4.80). Predictors of in-hospital TIMI major bleeding were weight (odds ratio, OR, 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99), female gender (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.09-2.96), history of peripheral vasculopathy (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.83-4.78), switching anticoagulant therapy (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.36-5.05), intra-aortic balloon pump implantation (OR 4.44, 95% CI 1.85-10.69), and creatinine ≥2 mg/dl on admission (OR 3.68, 95% CI 1.84-7.33). Despite aggressive management, the rate of bleeding remains relatively low in an unselected ACS population. However, major bleeding adversely affects prognosis and physicians should tailor treatments to reduce it.

Intra‐Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation in the Treatment of Infarction‐Related Cardiogenic Shock—Review of the Current Evidence

The European ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) guideline suggested the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) with a recommendation level I and a level of evidence C as an effective measure in combination with balloon angioplasty in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS), stent implantation, and inotropic and vasopressor support. Similarly, upon mechanical complication due to myocardial infarction (MI), the guideline suggests that in patients with a ventricular septal defect or in most patients with acute mitral regurgitation, preoperative IABP implantation is indicated for circulatory support. The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association STEMI guideline recommends the use of the IABP with a recommendation level I and a level of evidence B if CS does not respond rapidly to pharmacological treatment. The guideline notes that the IABP is a stabilizing measure for angiography and early revascularization. Even in MI complications, the use of preoperative IABP is recommended before surgery. Within this overview, we summarize the current evidence on IABP use in patients with CS complicated by MI. From our Cochrane data analysis, we conclude that in CS due to acute MI (AMI) treated with adjuvant systemic fibrinolysis, the IABP should be implanted. In patients with CS following AMI, treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the IABP can be implanted, although data are not distinctive (i.e., indicating positive and negative effects). In the future, randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the use of IABP in CS patients treated with PCI. When patients with CS are transferred to a PCI center with or without thrombolysis, patients should receive mechanical support with an IABP. To treat mechanical MI complications-in particular ventricular septal defect-patients should be treated with an IABP to stabilize their hemodynamic situation prior to cardiac surgery. Similar recommendations are given in the German Austrian guidelines on treatment of infarction-related CS patients (http://www.awmf.org/leitlinien/detail/ll/019-013.html).

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Implantation Does Not Affect Long-Term Survival after Isolated CABG in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (Thorac Cardiov Surg 2011;59:406-410)

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Implantation Does Not Affect Long-Term Survival after Isolated CABG in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (Thorac Cardiov Surg 2011;59:406-410)

Intraaortic Balloon Pump: Incidence and Predictors of Complications in the Florence Registry

The intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) is the most commonly used mechanical circulatory support for patients with acute coronary syndromes and cardiogenic shock. Nevertheless, IABP-related complications are still frequent and associated with a poor prognosis. To prospectively assess the incidence and predictors of complications in patients treated with IABP. A total of 481 patients treated with IABP were prospectively enrolled in our registry (the Florence Registry). At multivariable logistic regression analysis the following variables were independent predictors for complications (when adjusted for age >75 years, eGFR and time length of IABP support): use of inotropes (OR 2.450, P < 0.017), nadir platelet count (1000/µL step; OR 0.990, P < 0.001), admission lactate (OR 1.175, P = 0.003). Nadir platelet count showed a negative correlation with length of time of IABP implantation (r-0.31; P < 0.001). A nadir platelet count cutoff value of less than 120,000 was identified using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the development of complications (area under the curve [AUC] 0.70; P < 0.001). Complications were observed in the 13.1%, among whom 33 of 63 showed major bleeding. The incidence of complications was higher in patients aged >75 years (P = 0.015) and in those who had an IABP implanted for more than 24 hours (P = 0.001). Patients with complications showed an in Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU) mortality higher than patients who did not (44.4% vs 17.2%, P < 0.001). In consecutive patients treated with IABP support, the degree of hemodynamic impairment and the decrease in platelet count were independent predictors of complications, whose development was associated with higher in-ICCU mortality.