The intra-aortic ballon pump (IABP) has been proven as useful adjunct to inotropic therapy in high risk patients after myocardial infarction, angioplasty or cardiac surgery. We are describing our experience with the mechanical assistance to the left ventricle. 369 patients were operated at our Clinic between October 1998 and March 2001. IABP was used in 8 patients (2,16%). In all patients it was placed through the femoral artery. For 7 patients (1,89%) it was necessary to assist in weaning from the extracorporal circulation and for haemodynamic instability after the surgery. In one case it was used preoperatively for a high risk coronary patient (EF=18%) who had had pulmonary oedema 24 hours prior to CABG operation. Before introducing the IABP, maximal pharmacological support had been started. In all cases IABP was kept for next 2 to 45 hours.

Results: Two patients died on the IABP. Six patients recovered and they were discharged between 6 and 23 days (including the patient with preoperatively introduced IABP). There were no complications, vascular trauma or thrombosis.

Conclusion: IABP is effective support in difficult peri-operative situations in cardiac surgery. It is easy and quick to apply and it has low complication rate .