Since 1974, IABP was applied to thirty patients with severe left heart failure following acute myocardial infarction or cardiac surgery. By reviewing of our experience, we studied the early hemodynamic response to IABP and prognosis. What have been obtained from our experiences are follows: 1. Even if systemic arterial pressure, left atrial pressure and endocardial viability ratio were maintained satisfactorily, it was the cardiac index to determine the prognosis. The prognosis is very severe if cardiac index is unable to exceed over 2.0 1/mira/M2 within 12-24 hours after IABP applied.
2. Cardiac index in patients with cardiogenic shock following myocardial infarction was increased by IABP. Since several cases deteriorated after 24-48 hours, it is desirable to perform surgical treatment at latest within 24 hours.
