Chronic extra-aortic balloon counterpulsation: first-in-human pilot study in end-stage heart failure.

Background: Some patients continue to have significant heart failure symptoms despite optimal medical therapy.

Methods: We describe a first-in-human experience with an implantable non-blood-contacting extra-ascending aortic counterpulsation heart assist system (C-Pulse) in 5 end-stage heart failure patients, aged 54 to 73 years.

Results: All patients improved by 1 NYHA class and improvements in invasive hemodynamics were documented in 3 patients.

Cerebral protection by lidocaine during cardiac operations: a follow-up study.

Background: A previous study showed less postoperative neurocognitive impairment in open-chamber cardiac surgery patients given lidocaine for 48 hours after induction of anesthesia. In the present study, we aimed to test the benefit of a 12-hour infusion in a broader group of cardiac surgery patients, including those undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, intention-to-treat trial.

Extra-aortic implantable counterpulsation pump in chronic heart failure.

Extra-aortic counterpulsation for the management of chronic heart failure is a novel approach. We report the use of an extra-aortic implantable counterpulsation pump in the management of a 73-year-old patient with severe heart failure refractory to medical therapy. The implantable counterpulsation pump prolonged his life and greatly improved its quality.

Extra-ascending aortic versus intra-descending aortic balloon counterpulsation-effect on coronary artery blood flow.

Background: Diastolic counterpulsation has been used to provide circulatory augmentation for chronic heart failure or for short-term cardiac support. Recently an extra-aortic balloon (EAB) counterpulsation device has been proposed.

Aim: To compare the circulatory effects of counterpulsation using the EAB or an intra-aortic balloon (IAB) in the acute pig model.

Extra-aortic balloon counterpulsation: an intraoperative feasibility study.

Background: Current methods of counterpulsation or ventricular assistance have significant vascular and limb complications. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and performance of a new method of non-blood-contacting counterpulsation using an inflatable cuff around the ascending aorta (extra-aortic balloon [EAB]).

Methods And Results: In 6 patients undergoing first time off-pump coronary bypass surgery via sternotomy, the EAB was secured around the ascending aorta and attached to a standard counterpulsation console.