[Intraaortic Balloon Pumping(IABP) and Impella].

Intraaortic balloon pumping(IABP)has been used in more than 20,000 cases annually in Japan and this old device may be used differently by less invasive approach via axillar artery, which enabled the patients to ambulate for rehabilitation. Impella, a newly developed microaxial blood pump, has been used as a less invasive left ventricular assist device in more than 50 case in the last 6 months since its approval in Japan. Our experiences in 11 patients indicated that it improved not only cardiac output, but also cardiac function, which resulted in cardiac recovery in 5 patients. Technical advances in less invasive mechanical circulatory support may play an important role in thoracic surgery as well as cardiology.