Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in high-risk cardiac patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

Patients undergoing noncardiac general surgical procedures after coronary artery bypass surgery have reduced mortality compared with those operated on without prior revascularization. The urgency of the noncardiac procedure and the potential reconstructability of the coronary artery anatomy may mitigate against timely revascularization. We report the successful outcome of prophylactic intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in three patients with coronary artery disease and impaired left ventricular function undergoing noncardiac surgical procedures. Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation may provide myocardial protection in high-risk cardiac patients requiring noncardiac surgery initially. A review of the literature is discussed.