Measurement of the Descending Aorta and Experience of Intraaortic Balloon Pumping in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

In order to determine the balloon size for IABP in children, measurements of the aorta were made by cineangiography. The data revealed linear correlations between the internal diameters of the descending aorta and body length. In five patients who were from 6 months to 5 years after open heart surgery IABP was used. In all patient there was appreciable effect of IABP on the arterial pulse contour. Maniaturization of the equipment has permitted IABP to be used effectively in pediatric patients.