Required Intra-aortic Balloon Pump Support Research Articles

Abstract 11954: Predictors of Adverse Outcome in STEMI Patients Post-PCI With Cardiogenic Shock Requiring Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Support

Introduction: Cardiogenic shock is a serious complication of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), however clinical and demographic factors may further impact outcomes. This study investigated how age, gender, income, comorbidities, and arrhythmias affect mortality of STEMI patients receiving intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) for management of cardiogenic shock. Methods: This retrospective study used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016 to 2020. We identified STEMI admissions as the principal diagnosis and cardiogenic shock as the secondary diagnosis. Patients who received IABP support were included using the ICD-10 Procedure Coding System (PCS) code 5A02210. Logistic linear regression was used to analyze the data while adjusting for confounding variables such as age, sex, and comorbidities. Results: Of the 24,915 admissions with STEMI requiring IABP post PCI, the average age was 65, 29.5% were female, 28.8% died and 51.7% patients had congestive heart failure. The highest mortality rate was associated with liver disease, followed by left bundle branch block, age over 65, ventricular fibrillation, renal failure, female gender, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and ventricular tachycardia (table 1). Income in the bottom 25 th percentile also had increased mortality. Conclusion: This study identified several predictors of adverse outcomes in post-PCI STEMI patients with cardiogenic shock requiring IABP support, including ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, left bundle branch block, peripheral vascular disease, renal failure, liver disease, age 65 or older, female, and low income. These findings may aid in the management of STEMI patients with cardiogenic shock by allowing healthcare providers to identify patients at high risk for adverse outcomes and tailor their treatment accordingly.

Clinical Outcomes and Factors Affecting in-Hospital Mortality among Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients with Intra-aortic Balloon Pump – Implications for Nursing Care

Aim: Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is the most widely used acute mechanical circulatory support device in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). The objectives of the study were to assess the clinical outcomes, risk factors, and variables predictive of in-hospital mortality in these patients. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of the medical records of all the 96 patients who underwent isolated on-pump CABG with IABP inserted during the period from January 2016 to January 2020 in a selected tertiary care center. The risk factors and variables predictive of in-hospital mortality were analyzed. Results: The mean age of participants was 64 ± 7.9 years. In-hospital mortality occurred in 28.2% of study subjects. Those who were hypertensive (P = 0.012, OR = 5.85, 95%CI – 1.27–26.93), pre-operative renal insufficiency (P = 0.02, OR=2.83, 95% CI – 1.12–7.12), developed new-onset atrial and or ventricular arrhythmia(P < 0.001, OR = 31.87, 95%CI - 4.09–248.28), post-operative renal insufficiency(P < 0.001, OR = 6.72, 95% CI – 2.51–18.02), and thromboembolic events (P = 0.006, OR = 6.28, 95% CI – 2.51–18.02) had a higher odds of in-hospital mortality which was statistically significant. The variables predictive of in-hospital mortality were hypertension (Adjusted OR – 7.12, 95% CI – 1.25–40.38), occurrence of new-onset arrhythmia (Adjusted OR – 22.08, 95% CI 2.54–190.48), post-operative renal insufficiency (Adjusted OR – 7.38, 95% CI – 2.17–25.09), and thromboembolic events (Adjusted OR – 2.08, 95% CI – 0.33–12.83). Conclusion: Patients requiring IABP support belong to a high-risk group with significant risk of early post-operative mortality. Assessment and understanding of patient and clinical factors affecting outcomes should be one of the core nursing responsibilities in caring these patients.

Frequency of intra-aortic balloon pump insertion and associated factors in coronary artery bypass Grafting in a tertiary care hospital.

Objective:To find the incidence of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) induction and factors associated with its insertion in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).Methods:This retrospective observational non interventional study was conducted at Cardiac Surgery Department, North West General Hospital and Research Center, Peshawar from December 2018 to March 2020. The total sample size was 360 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The research was piloted in the cardiac operation theatre then cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) of Northwest General Hospital and Research center Hayatabad Peshawar. Data was collected from 360 patients scheduled for CABG. Total numbers of patients in whom IABP was inserted and factors associated with IABP insertions were noted. All the information was collected on a specifically prepared Form. Data was entered and evaluated in statistical package for social sciences form 25.Results:In this study, a total of 360 patients were observed who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We determined the frequency of IABP induction and the factors related to it. Gender distribution among patients who were assisted with IABP was 43% female and 57% male. IABP induction was done for most of moderately to severely reduced ejection fraction patients. Other factors related to patients who required IABP support were previous myocardial infarction 100%, hypertension 86%, diabetes mellitus 64%, coronary end-arterectomy 21% and smoking 7%. The results were analyzed. We have used the (SPSS) version 25 and Chi-square test for analysis in which the P-value less than 0.00001 is statistically significant.Conclusion:Incidence of insertion of IABP among CABG population was 3.9% in our hospital. It is an essential support to post CABG patient with left ventricular dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass with moderate to severely reduced ejection fraction, Myocardial infarction, hypertension, diabetes mellitus. Smoking and endarterectomy were not significantly related to IABP induction in our study. Multicenter study is still required to find out the other factors governing the IABP insertion.

Predictor of in-hospital mortality among acute coronary syndrome patients after treatment with an intra-aortic balloon pump in tertiary Hospital, Thailand

Objective: Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), a mechanical hemodynamic support device, had widely been used to treat cardiogenic shock patients for several decades. However, the information about the predictive factors associated with mortality was scarce. This study aims to identify the predictive factors associated with in-hospital mortality in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients who performed IABP for their hemodynamic support during admission.Methods: We conduct a retrospective cohort study design. All admission records of ACS patients with IABP at Suratthani Hospital between October 2015 and September 2019 were retrieved.Results: Overall 75 ACS patients with IABP insertion were enrolled. Thirty-one patients died during admission, in-hospital mortality was 41.3%. From the multivariable analysis, we identified 3 predictors associated with in-hospital mortality included cardiac arrest at presentation (adjusted OR [aOR]=11.18, 95%CI: 2.42-51.57, P=0.002), a higher number of inotropes or vasopressors (aOR 6.10, 95%CI 1.36-27.24, P=0.018) and Killip class IV (aOR 5.64, 95%CI 1.01-31.39, P=0.048).Conclusion: ACS patients who required IABP support had high mortality. Cardiac arrest, Killip class IV (cardiogenic shock) at presentation and requiring a higher number of inotropes or vasopressors were independent predictive factors of in-hospital mortality.

Role of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Early Graft Failure After Cardiac Transplantation.

Early graft failure (EGF) is a major risk factor for death after heart transplantation (Htx). We investigated the predictive risk factors for moderate-to-severe EGF requiring an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circulatory support as treatment after Htx. Between January 2000 and December 2014, 412 consecutive adult patients underwent isolated Htx at our institution. Moderate and severe EGF were defined as the need for IABP and ECMO support, respectively, within 24 h after Htx. All available recipient and donor variables were analyzed to assess the risk of EGF occurrence. Overall, moderate-to-severe EGF occurred in 46 (11.1%) patients. Twenty-nine (63.04%) patients required peripheral or central ECMO support in the treatment of severe EGF and 17 (36.9%) patients required IABP support for the treatment of moderate EGF. The predictive risk factors for moderate-to-severe EGF in recipients, as assessed by logistic regression analysis, were a preoperative transpulmonary gradient > 12 mmHg (odds ratio [OR] 5.2; P = 0.023), a preoperative inotropic score > 10 (OR 8.5; P = 0.0001), and preoperative ECMO support (OR 4.2; P = 0.012). For donors, the predictive risk factor was a donor score ≥ 17 (OR 8.3; P = 0.006). The absence of EGF was correlated with improved long-term survival: 94% at 1 year and 81% at 5 years without EGF versus 76% and 36% at 1 year (P < 0.001), and 70% and 28% at 5 years (P < 0.001) with EGF requiring IABP and ECMO support, respectively. In-hospital weaned and survived patients after IABP or ECMO treatment for moderate-to-severe EGF had a similar 5-year conditional survival rate as transplant patients who had not suffered EGF: 88% without EGF versus 84% with EGF treated with mechanical circulatory support devices (P = 0.08). The occurrence of EGF is a multifactorial deleterious event that depends on donor and recipient profiles. IABP and ECMO support are reliable treatment strategies, depending on the grade of EGF. Furthermore, surviving patients treated with IABP or ECMO have the same long-term conditional survival rate as patients who have not suffered EGF.

Weaning from IABP after CABG Surgery: Impact of Serum Lactate Levels as an Early Predictor

: Background: Impaired cardiac performance is a frequent presentation after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery. Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP), as a mechanical support, is lifesaving in many cases of low cardiac output state. IABP is needed to be in place from a few hours to a few days. Weaning is usually done according to patients’ hemodynamic response. Up to now, many studies have addressed the withdrawal methods, but few are related to predict the support time. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate whether high serum lactate levels are early predictors of IABP dependency after CABG surgery. Patients and Methods: This prospective cohort study was performed on 843 patients who underwent CABG surgery from April 2009 to January 2014 in Pars hospital. Among these patients, 47 ones required IABP support and were all entered into our study. Arterial blood samples were collected by 2-hour intervals during the first 12 hours after the operation. Serum lactate levels were compared according to IABP dependency. The data were analyzed using chi-square, t-test, and correlation coefficient and α = 0.05 was considered to be the significance level. Results: Based on the results, 97.8% of the patients (n = 46) were successfully weaned from IABP support and 95.7% (n = 45) survived to discharge from the hospital. Two patients with persistent serum lactate levels > 15 mmol/L in the first 12 hours of IABP support had the worst prognosis. A significant association was found between the mean serum lactate levels ≥ 6 mmol/L in the first 12 hours after the surgery and ≥ 48 hours dependency on IABP (P = 0.030). Conclusions: Prediction of IABP dependency may be possible by measuring serum lactate levels in the first 12 hours after CABG surgery.

Analysis of clinical outcomes of intra-aortic balloon pump use during coronary artery bypass surgery.

SummaryAimThe mortality rate of coronary artery bypass surgery increases with advanced patient age. This intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) study was conducted to compare older patients (above 65 years of age) with younger patients (below 65 years of age) who had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery and had had an IABP inserted, with regard to hospital stay, clinical features, intensive care unit stay, postoperative complications, and mortality and morbidity rates.MethodsOne hundred and ninety patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery and had required IABP support were enrolled in this study. Patients younger than 65 years of age were considered younger, and the others were considered older. Ninety-two patients were in younger group and 98 patients were older group. The mortality rates, pre-operative clinical characteristics, postoperative complications, and duration of intensive care unit and hospital stay of the groups were compared. The risk factors for mortality and complications were analysed.ResultsOne hundred and thirty-eight of the patients were male, and the mean age was 62.7 ± 9.9 years. The mortality rate was higher in the older patient group than the younger group [34 (37.7%) and 23 (23.4 %), respectively (p = 0.043)]. The crossclamp time, mean ejection fraction, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and length of stay in the intensive care unit were similar between the two groups (p > 0.05). Cardiopulmonary bypass time was the unique independent risk factor for mortality in both groups.ConclusionIn this study, high mortality rates in the postoperative period were similar to those in prior studies regarding IABP support. The complication rates were higher in the older patient group. Prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time and advanced age were determined to be significant risk factors for mortality.

Alternative non-femoral accesses for intra-aortic balloon pumping.

Access from the femoral arteries to the thoracic aorta for intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) insertion may not be feasible in a substantial number of patients with severe peripheral vascular disease. Since using an alternative access is inevitable in a certain number of patients requiring IABP support, all alternative accesses should be added to the surgical armamentarium. Herein, we present our 27-year experience with different alternative accesses for IABP insertion following failed contraindication to femoral artery cannulation. The alternative techniques described below were: transthoracic insertion with a tube graft, transthoracic insertion - direct, transaxillary/subclavian insertion and transbrachial insertion.

Influence of preoperative coronary collateral circulation on in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery with intra-aortic balloon pump support.

Outcomes in patients requiring coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have been improved with devices such as the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). Good coronary collateral circulation (CCC) has been shown to reduce mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to investigate whether poor preoperative CCC grade is a predictor of in-hospital mortality in CABG surgery requiring IABP support. Fifty-five consecutive patients who were undergoing isolated first time on-pump CABG surgery with IABP support were enrolled into this study and CCC of those patients was evaluated. Twenty-seven patients had poor CCC and 28 patients had good CCC. In-hospital mortality rate in poor CCC group was significantly higher than good CCC group (14 (50%) vs. 4 (13%), P = 0.013). Preoperative hemoglobin level (OR: 0.752; 95% CI, 0.571-0.991, P = 0.043), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 6.731; 95% CI, 1.159-39.085, P = 0.034) and poor CCC grade (OR: 5.750; 95% CI, 1.575±20.986, P = 0.008) were associated with post-CABG in-hospital mortality. Poor CCC grade (OR: 4.853; 95% CI, 1.124-20.952, P = 0.034) and preoperative hemoglobin level (OR: 0.624; 95% CI, 0.476-0.954, P = 0.026) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality after CABG. Preoperative poor CCC and hemoglobin are predictors of in-hospital mortality after CABG with IABP support.

Radial versus femoral approach comparison in percutaneous coronary intervention with intraaortic balloon pump support: The RADIAL PUMP UP Registry

The role of intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in high-risk acute patients remains debated. Device-related complications and the more complex patient management could explain such lack of clinical benefit. We aimed to assess the impact of transradial versus transfemoral access for PCI requiring IABP support on vascular complications and clinical outcome. We retrospectively analyzed 321 consecutive patients receiving IABP support during transfemoral (n = 209) or transradial (n = 112) PCI. Thirty-day net adverse clinical events (NACEs) (composite of postprocedural bleeding, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, and stroke) were the primary end point, with access-related bleeding and hospital stay as secondary end points. Cardiogenic shock and hemodynamic instability were the most common indications for IABP support. Cumulative 30-day NACE rate was 50.2%, whereas an access site-related bleeding occurred in 14.3%. Patients undergoing transfemoral PCI had a higher unadjusted rate of NACEs when compared with the transradial group (57.4% vs 36.6%, P < .01), mainly due more access-related bleedings (18.7% vs 6.3%, P < .01). Such increased risk of NACEs was confirmed after propensity score adjustment (hazard ratio 0.57 [0.4-0.9], P = .007), whereas hospital stay appeared comparable in the 2 groups. In this observational registry, high-risk patients undergoing PCI and requiring IABP support appeared to have fewer NACEs if transradial access was used instead of transfemoral, mainly due to fewer access-related bleedings. Given the inherent limitations of this retrospective work, including the inability to adjust for unknown confounders, further controlled studies are warranted to confirm or refute these findings.

Timing of intra-aortic balloon pump support and 1-year survival

The relationship between the timing of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support and surgical outcome remains a subject of debate. Peri-operative mechanical circulatory support is commenced either prophylactically or after increasing inotropic support has proved inadequate. This study evaluates the effect timing of IABP support on the 1-year survival of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. From April 1997 to September 2002, 7698 consecutive cardiac surgical procedures were performed. This included 5678 isolated coronary artery bypasses (CABGs), 1245 isolated valve procedures and 775 simultaneous CABG and valve procedures. IABP support was required in 237 patients (3.1%). Twenty-seven patients (0.35%) were classed as high-risk and received preoperative IABP support, 25 patients (0.32%) were haemodynamically compromised and required preoperative IABP support, 120 patients (1.56%) required intra-operative IABP support, and 65 patients (0.84%) required post-operative IABP support. Multiple variables were offered to a Cox proportional hazards model and significant predictors of 1-year survival were identified. These were used to risk adjust Kaplan-Meier survival curves. 1-year follow-up was complete and 450 deaths (5.8%) were recorded. The significant independent predictors of increased mortality at 1-year (P<0.05, HR=hazard ratio) were post-operative renal failure (HR=3.5), increasing EuroSCORE (HR=1.2), post-operative myocardial infarction (HR=3.7), post-operative IABP (HR=4.1) intra-operative IABP (HR=2.8), post-operative stroke (HR=2.5), increasing number of valves (HR=1.6), ejection fraction <30% (HR=1.3) and triple-vessel disease (HR=1.3). After risk-adjustment, 1-year survival for patients who required intra-operative IABP support was significantly greater than for those patients who required IABP support in the post-operative period. Patients who warrant IABP support in the post-operative setting have a significantly increased mortality at 1-year when compared to any other group. Therefore, earlier IABP support as part of surgical strategy may help to improve the outcome.

Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation: Outcome in cardiac surgical patients

Objective: To identify the major determinants of survival and nonsurvival for patients in need of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support after cardiac surgery and to define the role of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: University and general hospital. Participants: A total of 105 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery requiring IABP support and prolonged mechanical ventilation for >24 hours. Intervention: All patients were assigned into 1 of 2 groups: survival (n = 69) and nonsurvival (n = 36). Measurements and Main Results: Differences between the survival and nonsurvival groups were tested with the Student's t-test, chi-square test, and frequency analysis. The overall survival rate was 65.7%. Nonsurvivors (34.3%) had higher rates of acute myocardial infarction (27.7% v 4.3%; p < 0.002), Canadian Cardiovascular Society functional class III and IV (44.4% and 13.8%; p < 0.001), and depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (31.3 ± 6.4% v 42.4 ± 7.2%; p < 0.001). The nonsurvival group had longer duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (165 ± 74.3 minutes v 135 ± 36 minutes; p < 0.006) and aortic occlusion (81.8 ± 9 minutes v 68.6 ± 25.7 minutes; p < 0.004). In the nonsurvival group, 21 patients were not weaned from the IABP, and 15 patients were weaned from the IABP but died from renal failure (26.6%), multiorgan failure (13.3%), infection, and respiratory failure (66.6%). In the nonsurvival group, mechanical ventilation time was longer in patients weaned from the IABP. Conclusion: These data suggest that for patients not weaned from the IABP, the major determinants of death are low cardiac output (33.3%) and multiorgan failure (47.6%). Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of <30% have a poorer outcome. In patients weaned from the IABP, ventilator-associated pneumonia (66.6%) was the major cause of death. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company

High lactate predicts the failure of intraaortic balloon pumping after cardiac surgery

Background. Despite the use of intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) support in complex cardiac surgical patients, morbidity and mortality rates are high. More advanced mechanical cardiovascular support should be considered in those patients who are highly likely to die despite IABP support. We sought to identify early, readily available prognostic markers for patients receiving IABP support.Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on 39 patients requiring IABP support following cardiac surgery for more than 2 years. The accuracy and predictive ability of multiple potential markers of mortality were statistically assessed.Results. Sixty-seven percent of the patients were successfully weaned from IABP support and 46% survived to hospital discharge. Serious complications occurred in 13% of patients. Serum lactate more than 10 mmol/L in the first 8 hours of IABP support predicted a 100% mortality. Base deficit more than 10 mmol/L, mean arterial pressure less than 60 mm Hg, urine output less than 30 mls/h for 2 hours, and dose of epinephrine or norepinephrine more than 10 μg/min were other highly predictive prognostic markers.Conclusions. Morbidity and mortality rates remain high despite IABP support following cardiac surgery. Mortality can be predicted by the presence of elevated serum lactate, elevated base deficit, hypotension, oliguria and large vasopressor doses, any of which should prompt appropriate consideration as to other mechanical cardiovascular support.

Intraaortic balloon pumping in children

Background. Intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) usage in young children remains a rarity because, first, there is a widespread misconception that the greater elasticity of the aorta in children may prevent effective augmentation, and second, children in low cardiac output states are more likely to have associated right ventricular failure and pulmonary problems. We report our experience with the use of IABP in children undergoing cardiac surgery in whom mechanical support was necessary for the treatment of refractory cardiac failure. Methods. Over a 3-year period, 14 children were identified as requiring IABP support after cardiac surgery. Their median age was 3 years (range 7 days to 13 years) and their median weight was 13.3 kg (range 3.5–51 kg). Indications for IABP use were: failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass (5 patients), sudden deterioration in intensive therapy unit (ITU) (3 patients), progressive deterioration in ITU (4 patients), and prophylactic therapy for known poor preoperative ventricular function (2 patients). Results. Ten of 14 patients (71%) were successfully weaned from the IABP, of whom 8 became long-term survivors (57%). Among the survivors, the mean duration of IABP usage was 127 h (range 12–260 h), while for those who died while on IABP, the mean duration was 15 h (range 8–24 h). The most major IABP-related complication encountered was mesenteric ischemia, which had a fatal outcome. Conclusions. IABP therapy, used as an adjunct to conventional medical treatment, can give properly selected young children in refractory low cardiac output states after heart surgery a greater than 50% chance of long-term survival.

Preoperative Intraaortic Balloon Pump Enhances Cardiac Performance and Improves the Outcome of Redo CABG

Reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting (redo CABG) is associated with an increased operative risk compared with primary CABG. Because the hospital mortality in redo CABG is known to be influenced by poor left ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fraction < or = 0.40), unstable angina, and left main stem stenosis greater than or equal to 70%, a preoperative intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) support could be beneficial to improve the outcome in high-risk redo CABG. Between June 1994 and October 1996, 48 high-risk patients underwent redo CABG and were randomized into the following groups: group 1 (24 patients) who received preoperative IABP treatment on average 2 hours before cardiopulmonary bypass, and group 2 (24 patients) who received no preoperative IABP and served as controls. Mean age was 65 years and 90% (43 patients) were men. Forty-one patients had preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction less than or equal to 0.40 (85%), 38% (18 patients) had left main stem stenosis greater than or equal to 70%, and 54% (26 patients) had unstable angina preoperatively. Preoperative patient characteristics did not differ between the groups. The time on cardiopulmonary bypass was shorter in group 1, 86 versus 110 minutes (p = 0.006). There were no hospital deaths in group 1, but four deaths occurred in the control group (p = 0.049). Cardiac index rose significantly preoperatively after introduction of the IABP in group 1. Cardiac index was significantly higher postoperatively in group 1 compared with group 2 and remained significantly higher during the first 24 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass. Significantly fewer patients in the IABP group had postoperative low cardiac output (4 versus 13 patients). Nine patients in group 2 required IABP support postoperatively for 4.1 +/- 1.7 days. Only 2 patients in group 1 needed IABP postoperatively, and their IABPs were successfully removed on the first postoperative day. The preoperative IABP-supported patients had a shorter intensive care unit stay, 2.4 +/- 0.8 days compared with group 2, 4.5 +/- 2.2 days (p = 0.007), as well as a shorter hospital stay. The preoperative IABP treatment was found to be cost-effective. Preoperative treatment with IABP in high-risk redo CABG patients is an effective modality to prepare these patients to have their myocardial revascularization in an as nonischemic situation as possible, which resulted in a significantly lower hospital mortality, fewer instances of postoperative low cardiac output, and shorter stays in both the intensive care unit and the hospital.

Innovations in Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Management: Computer Modem Technology

The computer modem technology being developed by Datascope Corporation for the purpose of off-site intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) monitoring was clinically evaluated in 30 patients requiring IABP support. The Datascope System 95 model IABP with built-in modem was used on all patients. Remote communications via a personal computer with modem were conducted under both routine and emergency settings. The Datascope PC IABP software was evaluated for its user compatibility, efficiency, diagnostic capability and overall usefulness as a clinical tool. During the eight month evaluation period, 87 remote communications were conducted for both routine and emergency IABP evaluation checks. Adjustments were recommended on 22 occasions relevant to balloon timing, trigger mode selection and augmentation volume settings. Eight communications were initiated in emergency settings due to a variety of patient conditions. Emergency intervention was successful in diagnosing and resolving critical situations including atrial arrhythmias, pacemaker timing, low cardiac output syndrome, loss of trigger source, catheter malpositioning and poor augmentation. The diagnostic capabilities and efficient means of data collection by the computer software provide the clinician with a valuable tool for routine IABP clinical monitoring, as well as emergency problem resolution.