Percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass and innovations in clinical counterpulsation.

This report points out the progress that has been made with cardiac support devices since they were first clinically applied in the mid-1960s. Advances in technology have allowed the development of PBY. Innovatively applied modifications of existing support systems have allowed patient survival when conventional systems could not be utilized. Continued refinements in design, materials, and power sources will allow circulatory assistance to progress as an extremely useful clinical tool for the treatment of patients with acute and chronic ventricular failure.