Clinical trial with a percutaneously inserted intra-aortic balloon pump: a wider spectrum of patient application.

The intra-aortic balloon pump has been proven to be an effective form of therapy in a variety of situations involving actual or potential ventricular power failure. An experience with 12 newly-designed percutaneous PERCOR-TM intra-aortic balloon pumps is discussed. Emphasis is made on the ease of insertion and removal, and on the fact that a trained surgical team in an operating room setting is not necessary. Effectiveness of the balloon in comparison to the traditional intra-aortic balloon pump is also discussed.