Balloon-pump-induced pulsatility improves coronary and carotid flows in an experimental model of BioMedicus left ventricular assistance.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefit of the simultaneous use of a BioMedicus left ventricular assistance device (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, U.S.A.) and an intra-aortic balloon pump on regional blood flows, pressure, and pulsatility. Twelve pigs are studied. A BioMedicus pump was placed between the left atrium and the ascending aorta and an intra-aortic balloon pump was inserted through the left femoral artery. Blood flow and pressure were measured in the carotid, femoral, and coronary arteries and in the thoracic aorta below the intra-aortic balloon in the basal experimental condition with a full-flow BioMedicus pump and with a full-flow BioMedicus pump + intra-aortic balloon. The BioMedicus pump eliminates pulsatility in all sites and significantly decreases coronary and carotid blood flow. The adjunction of an intra-aortic balloon restores pulsatility to values comparable to those recorded in basal conditions. Coronary and carotid flows even increase to values higher than in the basal conditions. The simultaneous use of an intra-aortic balloon combined with the BioMedicus pump provides a pulsatile flow and increases coronary and carotid blood flows in pigs. An intra-aortic balloon can easily be combined with a BioMedicus pump whenever possible and may improve myocardial recovery in patients with postcardiotomy ventricular failure.