Instalación ecoguiada del balón de contrapulsación intraaórtico (BCPIA) vía arteria axilar por abordaje extratorácico en pacientes en espera de trasplante cardíaco / Echo-guided installation of Inta aortic balloon counterpulsation via the extra thoracic axillary artery

Resumen El balón de contrapulsación intraaórtico (BCPIA) es el dispositivo más frecuentemente utilizado para otorgar soporte mecánico en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca terminal y compromiso hemodinámico refractario al soporte inotrópico. Se han utilizado diferentes tipos de abordajes para la instalación del BCPIA a través de las extremidades superiores, ya sea vía arteria subclavia o últimamente vía arteria axilar. Con el objetivo de evitar la inmovilidad física asociada al BCPIA instalado vía arteria femoral, aumentar la comodidad del paciente, simplificar la técnica de instalación del catéter y facilitar los cuidados de enfermería necesarios para su mantención, hemos diseñado y utilizado un abordaje simple y seguro para su inserción. Bajo técnica ecoguiada y utilizando un set de micro punción, se realizó la canulación de la arteria axilar en su porción externa (lateral al borde externo del músculo pectoral menor). Con la ayuda de fluoroscopía, el BCPIA fue avanzado hasta posicionarlo en la aorta descendente bajo la emergencia de la arteria subclavia izquierda. En dos pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca terminal INTERMACS 2, con deambulación restringida debido a la necesidad permanente de soporte inotrópico y BCPIA femoral, bajo visión ecoguiada se realizó la reinstalación de este catéter a través de la arteria axilar izquierda, utilizando anestesia local y fluoroscopía en el laboratorio de hemodinamia. La rehabilitación fue posible rápidamente en ambos pacientes, realizándose el transplante cardíaco ortotópico después de 10 y 69 días de soporte mecánico con BCPIA, sin mayores efectos adversos.

Abstract Intra aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) is the most frequently used procedure to give mechanic support in patients with terminal heart failure and hemodynamic compromise refractory to inotropic support. Different approaches have been utilized to install upper extremity IABP, via either the axillary or subclavian arteries. In order to circumvent the limitations associated to long lasting femoral IABP support, simplify the technique, increase patient comfort and facilitate nursing care, we designed a simplified approach. Using echo guidance, the axillary artery was accessed with a micropuncture set just outside the external margin of the pectoral minor muscle. With the help of fluoroscopy the IABP catheter was advanced and its correct position in the descending aorta was confirmed. Two patients in INTERMACS 2 end stage heart failure, bedridden due to permanent inotropic support and femoral IABP, underwent echo guided axillary IABP placement under local anesthesia and fluoroscopy in the catheterization laboratory. Both patients gained rapid access to rehabilitation and received orthotopic heart transplantation after 10 and 69 days of uneventful IABP support.

Oclusión temporal de la aorta abdominal mediante el uso de balón intraarterial en acretismo placentario: reporte de un caso / Temporal occlusion of the abdominal aorta using an intra-arterial balloon in the placental accreta: a case report

RESUMEN El acretismo placentario es una enfermedad caracterizada por una inserción anómala de la placenta en la pared uterina. La oclusión infra renal de la aorta abdominal es un procedimiento innovador usado para disminuir el flujo vascular a la pelvis y lograr un mejor control del sangrado. Nosotros reportamos el caso de una gestante de 33 años con embarazo de 25 semanas y diagnóstico de placenta percreta, se aplicó el protocolo institucional que incluye: colocación de catéteres ureterales, inserción de balón intra aórtico (BIA) y finalización del embarazo por cesárea (urología, cirugía de trauma y cuidado critico obstétrico). El binomio madre hijo no presentó complicaciones, el sangrado visual estimado fue de 800 cc y la evolución posquirúrgica fue satisfactoria (sin signos de hipoperfusión o hiperlactatemia); no se reportó mortalidad materno-perinatal. Nuestra experiencia abre la posibilidad a los países de medianos y bajos ingresos a la innovación en la aplicación de estrategias para disminuir la pérdida de sangre intraoperatoria y la necesidad de transfusión; el uso del BIA es una estrategia segura para el control vascular en pacientes con percretismo placentario.

ABSTRACT Placenta accreta is characterized by anomalous placental insertion onto the uterine wall. Infra-renal aortic occlusion is an innovative procedure that reduces blood flow to the pelvis, which helps to achieve a better bleeding control. This case report is about a 33-year-old pregnant woman at 25 weeks, diagnosed with placenta percreta. We used our institutional protocol which includes: insertion of two urethral catherters, insertion of intraaortic balloon and pregnancy termination via cesarean section. Neither the mother or the newborn suffered any complications, the estimated visual bleeding was 800 cc. Postoperative evolution was satisfactory (without signs of hypoperfusion or hyperlactatemia) and there was not any reports of materno-perinatal mortality. This experience allows low and middle income countries the possibility to innovate regarding strategies to decrease intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements; intraaortic balloon insertion is a safe strategy to achieve bleeding control in patients with placenta percreta.

Effects of low-dose recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide on anterior myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The mortality due to cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is high even in patients with early revascularization. Infusion of low dose recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) at the time of AMI is well tolerated and could improve cardiac function. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic effects of rhBNP in AMI patients revascularized by emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who developed cardiogenic shock. METHODS: A total of 48 patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock and whose hemodynamic status was improved following emergency PCI were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to rhBNP (n=25) and control (n=23) groups. In addition to standard therapy, study group individuals received rhBNP by continuous infusion at 0.005 µg kg−1 min−1 for 72 hours. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics, medications, and peak of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were similar between both groups. rhBNP treatment resulted in consistently improved pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) compared to the control group. Respectively, 7 and 9 patients died in experimental and control groups. No drug-related serious adverse events occurred in either group. CONCLUSION: When added to standard care in stable patients with cardiogenic shock complicating anterior STEMI, low dose rhBNP improves PCWP and is well tolerated.

Aortic Counterpulsation Therapy in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure: Analysis of the TBRIDGE Registry / Terapia de Contrapulsação Aórtica em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca Avançada: Análise do Registro TBRIDGE

Abstract Background: The use of aortic counterpulsation therapy in advanced heart failure is controversial. Objectives: To evaluate the hemodynamic and metabolic effects of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and its impact on 30-day mortality in patients with heart failure. Methods: Historical prospective, unicentric study to evaluate all patients treated with IABP betwen August/2008 and July/2013, included in an institutional registry named TBRIDGE (The Brazilian Registry of Intra-aortic balloon pump in Decompensated heart failure - Global Evaluation). We analyzed changes in oxygen central venous saturation (ScvO2), arterial lactate, and use of vasoactive drugs at 48 hours after IABP insertion. The 30-day mortality was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and diferences in subgroups were evaluated by the Log-rank test. Results: A total of 223 patients (mean age 49 ± 14 years) were included. Mean left ventricle ejection fraction was 24 ± 10%, and 30% of patients had Chagas disease. Compared with pre-IABP insertion, we observed an increase in ScvO2 (50.5% vs. 65.5%, p < 0.001) and use of nitroprusside (33.6% vs. 47.5%, p < 0.001), and a decrease in lactate levels (31.4 vs. 16.7 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and use of vasopressors (36.3% vs. 25.6%, p = 0.003) after IABP insertion. Thirty-day survival was 69%, with lower mortality in Chagas disease patients compared without the disease (p = 0.008). Conclusion: After 48 hours of use, IABP promoted changes in the use of vasoactive drugs, improved tissue perfusion. Chagas etiology was associated with lower 30-day mortality. Aortic counterpulsation therapy is an effective method of circulatory support for patients waiting for heart transplantation.

Resumo Fundamento: A utilização da terapia de contrapulsação aórtica na insuficiência cardíaca avançada é controversa. Objetivos: Avaliar o efeito hemodinâmico e metabólico do balão intra-aórtico (BIA) e seu impacto sobre a mortalidade em 30 dias em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo histórico, unicêntrico, avaliando todos os pacientes tratados com BIA entre agosto/2008 e julho/2013, incluídos em registro institucional denominado TBRIDGE (The Brazilian Registry of Intra-aortic balloon pump in Decompensated heart failure - Global Evaluation). Analisaram-se variações na saturação venosa central de oxigênio (SVO2), lactato arterial e uso de fármacos vasoativos 48 horas após instalação do dispositivo. A mortalidade em 30 dias foi estimada pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e diferenças entre subgrupos foram avaliadas pelo teste de Log-rank. Resultados: Foram incluídos 223 pacientes com idade média de 49 ± 14 anos, fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo média de 24 ± 10%, sendo 30% acometidos por Doença de Chagas. Em comparação à pré-instalação do BIA, após a instalação, houve aumento da SVO2 (51% vs. 66%, p < 0,001) e no uso de nitroprussiato (34% vs. 48%, p < 0,001), além de redução do lactato (31 vs. 17 mg/dL, p < 0,001) e no uso de vasopressores (36% vs. 26%, p = 0,003). A sobrevida em 30 dias foi de 69%, com menor mortalidade nos pacientes chagásicos comparativamente aos não chagásicos (p = 0,008). Conclusão: Nas primeiras 48 horas de utilização, o BIA promoveu mudança no uso de fármacos vasoativos e melhora da perfusão tecidual. A etiologia chagásica associou-se a menor mortalidade em 30 dias. A terapia de contrapulsação aórtica mostrou-se opção eficaz de suporte circulatório em pacientes candidatos a transplante cardíaco.

Perioperative intra‑aortic balloon counterpulsation in a patient with myocardium at risk undergoing urgent noncardiac surgery.

We are presenting the case of a 76‑year‑old female scheduled for major abdominal surgery. Her past medical history was remarkable for a three‑vessel coronary artery disease, with a severely impaired left ventricular function. She had already undergone complex coronary artery bypass surgery. Currently, she presented with the rare constellation of a hemodynamic relevant and interventionally intractable stenosis of the left subclavian artery proximal to a crucial coronary bypass from left internal mammary artery to the left anterior descending. To protect this patient from perioperative myocardial infarction, an intra‑aortic balloon pump was successfully used.

IABP ballooning in Chinese patients.

Introduction: Th e ischaemic disorders as a complication of intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation (IABP) could be deleterious in critically ill patients with myocardial failure and cardiogenic shock. Th is study is a pilot to predict the length of the descending aorta to select the optimum IABP size for Asian patients. Methods: Th e somatometric features from 80 Chinese patients were used: gender, age, height, body mass index, body surface area, trans-pyloric plane. Moreover, the aortic length from the origin of left subclavian artery to the orifi ce of the celiac trunk (LSA-CT) measured from tomographic scan examination. Th e variables to predict the length from the LSA-CT were studied in four types of predictive statistical analysis: nonlinear regression analysis, tree model, linear regression, and log_linear regression. Th e model was defi ned by obtaining the R square. Results: Th ere were 59 males (mean age 53.9 years SD 13.2, height 170.8cm SD 4.0) and 21 females (mean age 58.7 years SD 7.8, height 160.2 cm SD 6.8). LSA-CT distance was found to be 279.5 SD 31.34 mm. Th e length of distance from the jugular notch to trans-pyloric plane was 273.8cm SD 12.5. Th e body mass index was 25.6 Kg/m2 SD 3.8 and the body surface area 1.8 m2 SD 0.1. Th e tree model for predicting the distance to the left subclavian artery to the celiac axis was chosen due to obtained an R2 square of 0,829. Th e comparison between the tomographic values and results of the tree model was realized with a nonparametric test. Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that the values of computed tomograhy scan did not show a statistically signifi cant diff erence with the results of the tree model (Z = -0.827 p =0.408). Conclusion: Th e tree model for predicting the distance from the left subclavian artery to the celiac trunk, could be an accurate guide to choosing an adequate catheter length of intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation in Asian patients.

Sotalol: A rescue drug in the face of life-threatening refractory ventricular tachycardia.

We describe postoperative refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) in a patient following aortic and mitral valve replacement. Following an uneventful separation from cardiopulmonary bypass with dobutamine, the patient developed recurrent VT, 4 hours into the postoperative period. The VT did not respond to standard doses of xylocard, magnesium and amiodarone. Electrolyte and acid base parameters were normal. Multiple cardioversions failed to revert back to a stable rhythm. Intra‑aortic balloon pumping was instituted and overdrive right ventricular pacing was unsuccessful. Following intravenous sotalol 80 mg, the VT came under control and reverted to a nodal rhythm, which required atrial pacing for the next 8 hours. Oral sotalol therapy was continued at 40 mg daily. The VT did not recur.

Assistência circulatória na insuficiência cardíaca refratária: estado atual das suas indicações e resultados / Circulatory assistance on the refractory cardiac insufficiency: present status of its indications and results

Objetivo: O artigo busca apresentar o cenário atual da terapêutica assistência mecânica circulatória por meio da aplicação de dispositivos artificiais cardíacos aos pacientes portadores de estados avançados de insuficiência cardíaca, por vários tipos de indicações. Métodos: Metodologia descritiva abordando aspectos como remodelamento cardíaco reverso obtido, tipos de dispositivos e das aplicações e desenvolvimento dos modelos, desmame e eventuais aplicações decorrentes e cuidados especiais em pacientes portadores. Resultados: São disponibilizados os resultados do último registro INTERMACS (2012) que listam 4533 pacientes que receberam implante de dispositivos de assitência circulatória no período entre junho 2006 e junho 2011 nos EUA e dados da experiência nacional. Conclusões: Tendo em vista a experiência internacional, observa-se que a aplicação desta modalidade vem aumentando significativamente, consolidando-se como terapêutica coadjuvante no tratamento da insuficiência cardíaca terminal.

This paper describes present stage of the mechanical circulatory assistance by the application of artificial devices in patients with advanced stages of cardiac insufficiency with different treatment indication. Methods: A descriptive methodology was approaching aspects like reverse cardiac remodeling, types of devices and its applications, outcomes and development of the models, the wear and caution with this kind of patient. Results: The last INTERMACS (2012) results are stabilished for 4533 patients who received a ventricular assist device (VAD) implant between June, 2006 to June, 2011 in the USA, and some aspects and experiences in Brazil. Conclusion: We are seen that the international experience regarding the application of this kind of therapeutics is showing a vigorous growth and consolidating like a coadjuvant therapy in the treatment of the cardiac insufficiency.

Choque cardiogênico: avaliação clínico-laboratorial e estratégia medicamentosa / Cardiogenic shock: clinical-laboratorial and therapeutic evaluation

O choque cardiogênico é uma síndrome clínica caracterizada por hiperfluxo tecidual secundária à disfunção cardíaca, na ausência de hipovolemia. A etiologia principal é o infarto agudo do miocárdio com falência de ventrículo esquerdo, embora existam outras causas relevantes, como complicações mecânicas do infarto, miocardites, evolução de cardiomiopatias, valvopatias agudas não isquêmicas e cardiomiopatia induzida pelo estresse, por exemplo. Apesar dos avanços terapêuticos, persiste como uma condição de elevada mortalidade e sua incidência não se modificou significativamente nas últimas décadas. A instalação do choque em pacientes com síndromes coronárias agudas ocorre mais frequentemente após a admissão hospitalar, ressaltando a importância da identificação de preditores e da monitorização de sinais precoces de hipoperfusão incidual para pronta intervenção. O diagnóstico é essencialmente clínico e alguns exames subsidiários, como eletrocardiograma, marcadores de necrose miocárdica, ecocardiograma e cineangiocoronariografia, são importantes para a definição da etiologia, estratificação da gravidade e do prognóstico. O manejo adequado dos pacientes requer avaliação dos parâmetros de macro e micro-hemodinâmica. Os principais objetivos terapêuticos incluem a restauração precoce da perfusão tecidual sistêmica e a recuperação da função ventricular. O tratamento inclui medidas gerais para pacientes com choque como ajuste de volemia e adequação da perfusão tecidual com uso de inotrópicos, vasodilatadores e dispositivos de assistência ventricular, além de medidas específicas, direcionadas para etiologia do choque, como a resvascularização precoce nas síndromes coronárias agudas.

Cardiogenic shock is a clinical syndrome characterized by systemic hypoperfusion secondary to cardiac dysfunction, in the absence of hypovolemia. Left ventricular failure complicating massive acute myocardial infarction persists as the most common etiology, although other relevant causes include mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction, acute myocarditis, non-ischemic valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies progression and stress induced cardiomyopathies. Despite therapeutic advances the incidence of cardiogenic shock persists almost the same as in the last decades and mortality rate remains very high. the onset of cardiogenic shock, in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes, frequently accurs after hospital admission, reinforcing the importance of identifying predictors and monitoring early stages of systemic hypoperfusion for early intervention. The diagnosis is established by findings. Diagnostic tests like electrocardiogram, cardiac biomakers, echocardiogram, and coronary angiography, in specific scenarios, can be helpful to confirm the diagnosis, define the etiology, stratify the risk, and provide prognostic information.

A survey on the use of intra-aortic balloon pump in cardiac surgery.

Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is an established tool in the management of cardiac dysfunction in cardiac surgery. The best timing for IABP weaning is unknown and varies greatly among cardiac centers. The authors investigated the differences in IABP management among 66 cardiac surgery centers performing 40,675 cardiac surgery procedures in the 12-month study period. The centers were contacted through email, telephone, or in person interview. IABP management was very heterogeneous in this survey: In 43% centers it was routinely removed on the first postoperative day, and in 34% on the second postoperative day. In 50% centers, it was routinely removed after extubation of the patients whereas in 15% centers it was removed while the patients were sedated and mechanically ventilated. In 66% centers, patients were routinely receiving pharmacological inotropic support at the time of removal of IABP. The practice of decreasing IABP support was also heterogeneous: 57% centers weaned by reducing the ratio of beat assistance whereas 34% centers weaned by reducing balloon volume. We conclude that the management of IABP is heterogeneous and there is a need for large prospective studies on the management of IABP in cardiac surgery.

Evolução hospitalar de pacientes submetidos a assistência circulatória com balão intra-aórtico durante intervenção coronária percutânea de alto risco: registro InCor / In-hospital outcomes of patients submitted to circulatory support with intra-aortic balloon pump during high risk percutaneous coronary intervention: InCor registry

Introdução: O balão intra-aórtico (BIA) é utilizado há décadas como dispositivo de assistência circulatória, sendo recomendado na maioria das diretrizes, apesar da fraca evidência em relação à redução da mortalidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso do BIA como ferramenta adjunta na intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP). Métodos: Registro unicêntrico que analisou a evolução hospitalar de 134 pacientes consecutivos que utilizaram BIA durante ICP de alto risco ou na vigência de choque cardiogênico. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 64,7 ± 12,5 anos e 67,9 eram do sexo masculino. A população apresentou características de alto risco, com 33,5 de diabéticos, 73,1 tratados na vigência de infarto do miocárdio, 68,6 com padrão triarterial, e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo de 38,6 ± 16,1. Fluxo TIMI 2/3 foi obtido em 86,4 dos casos, sendo tratada 1,6 ± 0,6 lesão/paciente. Ocorreram 18 (13,4) reinfartos, dos quais 9 (6,7) por trombose do stent, sendo 2 (1,4) pacientes encaminhados para cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica e 16 (11,9), para nova ICP. A mortalidade hospitalar foi de 61,2 e a taxa de eventos cardíacos adversos maiores (ECAM) foi de 67,2. Por análise multivariada, foram preditores de mortalidade: idade > 65 anos, ICP prévia, necessidade de diálise e padrão triarterial. Os preditores de sobrevida foram: função ventricular normal, fluxo TIMI 2/3 ao final do procedimento e permanência do BIA > 72 horas. Conclusões: Os pacientes que utilizaram BIA durante ICP apresentaram perfil clínico de risco muito alto, que se refletiu em elevada taxa de óbito. Fatores clínicos, angiográficos e do procedimento podem identificar variáveis que interferem independentemente na mortalidade.

The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been used for decades as a circulatory support device, being recommended in most guidelines, despite poor evidence of mortality reduction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of IABP as an adjunct therapy in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Single center registry analyzing in-hospital outcomes of 134 consecutive patients submitted to IABP during high risk PCI or in the presence of cardiogenic shock. RESULTS: Mean age was 64.7 + 12.5 years and 67.9% were males. The population presented high-risk features, with 33.5% of diabetic patients, 73.1% treated in the presence of myocardial infarction, 68.6% with three-vessel disease and left ventricular ejection fraction of 38.6 + 16.1%. TIMI 2/3 flow was obtained in 86.4% of the cases and 1.6 + 0.6 lesion/patient was treated. There were 18 (13.4%) reinfarctions, of which 9 (6.7%) were due to stent thrombosis, 2 (1.4%) patients were referred for CABG and 16 (11.9%) for a new PCI. Hospital mortality was 61.2% and the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rate was 67.2%. By multivariate analysis, predictors of mortality were: age > 65 years, prior PCI, need of dialysis and three-vessel disease. Predictors of survival were: normal ventricular function, TIMI 2/3 flow at the end of the procedure and IABP utilization > 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing PCI with IABP support have a very high risk clinical profile, which led to high mortality rates. Clinical, angiographic and procedure-related factors can identify independent variables for mortality.

Trombocitopenia em unidade coronariana: relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Thrombocytopenia in the coronary care unit: case report and review of the literature

Trombocitopenia é um achado frequente em unidades de terapia intensiva cardiológica; neste ambiente onde grande parte do arsenal terapêutico diminui a coagulabilidade sanguínea, a baixa contagem plaquetária representa um desafio ao médico intensivista. Este relato de caso ocorreu no Hospital Johns Hopkins, em Baltimore(EUA), em 2003, quando o autor esteve em visita a esta instituição. É apresentada uma revisão da literatura e uma breve discussão do caso

Balón de contrapulsación intra-aórtica: colocación y cuidados / Intraaortic balloon pumping: placement and care

El artículo describe la técnica de colocación del balón de contrapulsación intra-aórtica. Asimismo, da una breve reseña histórica sobre cómo surgió: da una definición del mismo; explica las indicaciones de su colocación en base a la alteración circulatoria hemodinámica, como resultante de la hipovolemia, la sobrecarga de volumen, la isquemia miocárdica o los trastornos mecánicos; y justifica la acción rápida y eficaz de este tratamiento en la perfusión coronaria. Incluye los cuidados de enfermería

Implante del balón intraaórtico de contrapulsación por punción arterial femoral / Implantation of the intraaortic ballon pump system through puncture of the femoral artery

Introducción: el balón intraaórtico de contrapulsación es el método de apoyo mecánico circulatorio que se usa con mayor frecuencia. El propósito del presente trabajo fue determinar el efecto de la técnica de inserción del balón de contrapulsación, así como el uso de camisa de introducción sobre la morbilidad en pacientes sometidos a contrapulsación.Material y método: se revisaron 484 pacientes sometidos a contrapulsación del 1 de enero de 1992 a 31 de diciembre de 1999, en el Hospital de Cardiología del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, en quienes se implantó el balón por vía femoral mediante punción percutánea con camisa (25 por ciento) o sin camisa (19 por ciento), o por punción bajo visión directa con camisa (5 por ciento) o sin camisa (51 por ciento). Resultados: la complicación más frecuente fue la insuficiencia arterial aguda de la extremidad involucrada. Hubo 25 complicaciones mayores (5.1 por ciento), que requirieron tratamiento quirúrgico, que predominaron en el grupo con punción bajo visión directa (p = 0.09), y una diferencia marginal relacionada al uso o no de camisa de introducción (p = 0.047). La complicación más seria fue una amputación de miembro pélvico por isquemia irreversible en dos pacientes (un caso en quien se utilizó camisa y otro en quien no se utilizó). Discusión: se concluye que la inserción del balón intraaórtico por punción percutánea es una técnica segura con menor morbilidad.