Objective: The combination of intra- aortic balloon pumping (IABP) and veno- arterial extracorporeal
membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with low cardiac output syndrome has been
confirmed to improve efficacy of the cardiac support as a whole.
However, the impact of different ECMO cannulation techniques (peripherally via a femoral artery vs. centrally via the ascending aorta) on renal blood flow during concomitant use of IABP remains unclear.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of additional IABP support
on the degree of renal blood flow with central and with peripheral veno- arterial
ECMO by means of direct measurements.
Methods: Renal arterial flow obtained by direct measurement with an intravascular catheter
in the left renal artery. Blood Pressure was tabulated during intra aortic balloon
pumping with central and with peripheral ECMO support in six pigs. These parameters
were evaluated with respect to changes in the ECMO approach.
Results: Mean renal arterial pressure increased as the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
flow was initiated from peripheral in contrast to central ECMO access with continuous
IABP support.
Conclusion: In conclusion, IABP with peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
causes better renal artery blood flow in contrast to central cannulation.
