Cardiopulmonary bypass in pregnancy: possible new role for the intra-aortic balloon pump

J Extra Corpor Technol. 2005 Jun;37(2):189-91.

Abstract

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during pregnancy is associated with a maternal mortality similar to the nonpregnant population; however, fetal morbidity and mortality are high. Various strategies to improve fetal survival have been advocated. Alteration in uterine artery flow velocity has been reported during nonpulsatile CPB; however, roller pump-generated pulsatile flow for CPB remains controversial. We report use of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in two cases of pregnancy. In the first, the IABP was inserted after termination of a long bypass, specifically in an attempt to improve uterine perfusion and thereby relieve a profound fetal bradycardia. In the second, the IABP was used electively to provide pulsatile flow during the bypass period primarily to benefit fetal hemodynamics.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiopulmonary Bypass*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping / instrumentation*
  • New Zealand
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / surgery*
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Regional Blood Flow
  • State Medicine