ABSTRACT
To reduce problems during percutaneous transluminal angioplasties and valvuloplasties in the catheterization laboratory, percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass was used in 6 patients (three aortic, two mitral and one coronary). Percutaneous 21 F (venous) and 17 F (arterial) cannulas were placed through the femoral vessels. Mean flows of 3 l/min were achieved with a roller pump, with a mean blood pressure of 60 mmHg. Bypass time ranged between 22 and 55 minutes (mean 39). Light intravenous sedations and spontaneous breathing was maintained in all cases. Maximum inflation time of balloons were 4 minutes for the aortic valvuloplasty patients and 50 seconds for the mitral. Two patients developed groin hematomas, and one of them required surgical exploration. Percutaneous bypass is a simple and easily achieved technique to ensure safety in the high-risk patient.
