Use of the intra-aortic balloon support for refractory low cardiac output in myocardial contusion.

A patient with refractory low cardiac output and recurring ventricular arrhythmias resulting from myocardial contusion was treated with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. Use of the intra-aortic balloon resulted in an increased cardiac output and control of the ventricular arrhythmias. After 1 year the patient shows no sequelae of myocardial contusion, although he is still paraplegic.