The role of the intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation (IABP) in emergency surgery

Elective surgical procedures are often delayed for up to six months in patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction (MI) because of the substantial risk of re-infarction and high peri-operative mortality. The optimal management of patients who have sustained a recent myocardial infarction and who require an emergency abdominal operation, however, has yet to be defined. The use of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) may play a role in such patients by improving the function of the injured heart. Three cases are presented in which IABP was used in patients who had recently sustained a myocardial infarction and who required emergency abdominal surgery. A review of the literature is presented and the application of IABP in such circumstances is discussed. Although clinical experience is limited, the use of the IABP may be useful in selected patients who have sustained a recent MI and who require emergency surgery.