title: Experience with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in a community hospital.
abstract: Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation is well established as an adjunct in the treatment of refractory cardiac failure in university centers. We have analyzed the practicality of its use at a community hospital without cardiovascular resident coverage. Between 1971 and 1976, 27 patients were subjected to counterpulsation. The survival rate was 44%. This compares well with university centers where various reports listed survival rates between 14% and 50%. We believe that IABP is a valuable adjunct in the total care of cardiac patients and should be used in all community hospitals in which cardiac surgery is done.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000628:therapy; D001243:Assisted Circulation / Q000295:instrumentation; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006801:Humans; D007423:Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping / Q000295:instrumentation; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000628:therapy; D012770:Shock, Cardiogenic / Q000628:therapy