Intraaortic balloon pumping for control of recurrent myocardial ischemia.

Eleven patients were studied because of recurrent angina at rest. In five cases ischemic pain developed 3-10 days after acute myocardial infarction. Pain recurred in all cases despite therapy with bedrest, oxygen, heparin anticoagulation, nitrates, and whenever possible, beta blockade. Intraaortic balloon pumping with a 30-cc balloon prevented ischemia in nine patients and markedly reduced the frequency of ischemic attacks in two. Coronary angiograms were obtained during circulatory assistance without complication and confirmed proximal coronary artery obstructions in all patients. Saphenous vein aortocoronary bypass grafting was then performed. Intraaortic balloon pumping will effectively control myocardial ischemia resistant to medical therapy.