Abstract

Experimental study of intraventricular balloon pumping (IVBP). We examined IVBP to provide circulatory support. Experimental dogs were used with the IVBP inserted via the apex of the heart. The pumping was accompanied by an increase in systolic BP, CO and a decrease in LAP, when the CO of the unassisted heart was under 50% of normal heart. It was found that when the heart was normal, the IVBP was not effective, and also not effective in generating a peripheral blood flow while the heart was fibrillaing. Cases of arrhythmia induced by IVBP were very few. In clinical practice, IVBP will be inserted from a peripheral artery such as IABP to decrease infection and bleeding.