Influence of enhanced external counterpulsation on endothelial function: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is an effective and noninvasive treatment for patients with refractory angina and chronic heart failure. However, previous studies evaluating the influence of EECP on endothelial function showed inconsistent results. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of EECP on endothelial function measured by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD). DESIGN: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing the influence of EECP versus usual care on FMD in adult population. A random-effects model incorporating the potential influence of heterogeneity was used to pool the results. RESULTS: Nineteen studies with 1647 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with usual care or conventional therapy, additional treatment with EECP for 3-7 weeks was associated with a significantly improved FMD (mean difference [MD]: 1.96%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.57-2.36, p < 0.001, I2 = 52%). Subgroup analysis showed consistent results in patients with coronary artery disease and in patients with other diseases (p for subgroup difference = 0.21). Results of meta-regression analysis showed that the mean baseline FMD level was positively correlated with the influence of EECP on FMD (coefficient = 0.42, p < 0.001). Results of subgroup analysis suggested that the increment of FMD following EECP was larger in patients with baseline FMD ≥ 5% (MD: 2.69, 95% CI: 2.27-3.10, p < 0.001; I2 = 15%) compared to those with baseline FMD < 5% (MD: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.13-1.85, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%; p for subgroup difference < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: EECP may be effective in improving endothelial function measured by FMD.

Enhanced External Counterpulsation Effects on Venous Leg Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Venous diseases encompass a large spectrum of abnormalities in the venous system with complaints, such as aching and swelling. Enhanced external counterpulsa-tion, proven safe and effective in patients with coronary artery disease and chronic heart failure, is a technique that increases venous return and augments diastolic blood pres-sure. This study assessed the effects of enhanced external counterpulsation on symp-toms of venous disease using the Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study-Quality of Life/Symptoms questionnaire. METHODS: This study was designed prospectively for evaluating venous symptoms before and after enhanced external counterpulsation treatment. The study population con-sisted of 30 consecutive patients who were admitted to the cardiology clinic. The Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study-Quality of Life/Symptoms ques-tionnaire was applied to assess venous symptoms one day before and after enhanced external counterpulsation treatment. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 64.62 ± 9.67 years. After 35 hours of enhanced external counterpulsation, 28 patients (93%) had at least 1 New York Heart Association functional class reduction compared with baseline and 43% of patients had 2 New York Heart Association functional classes improvement. The New York Heart Association class significantly decreased after enhanced external counterpulsation treatment (P<.001). There was a significant improvement in their swelling and night cramps symptoms compared with baseline (P< .001 and P = .05, respectively). Also, The left ventricular ejec-tion fraction significantly increased after the enhanced external counterpulsation treat- ment (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: The findings obtained in the present study suggested that patients treated with enhanced external counterpulsation showed a significant reduction in swelling and night cramps symptoms. Although the total VEIN score did not change after the enhanced external counterpulsation procedure, improvement in swelling and night cramps under-lines the beneficial effects of enhanced external counterpulsation through the venousvascular territory.

Adverse events and their management during enhanced external counterpulsation treatment in patients with refractory angina pectoris: observations from a routine clinical practice.

AIMS: Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a non-invasive treatment (35 one-hour sessions) for patients with refractory angina pectoris (RAP). To avoid interruption of treatment, more knowledge is needed about potential adverse events (AE) of EECP and their appropriate management. To describe occurrence of AE and clinical actions related to EECP treatment in patients with RAP and compare the distribution of AE between responders and non-responders to treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing medical records of 119 patients with RAP who had undergone one EECP treatment and a 6-min-walk test pre- and post-treatment. Sociodemographic, medical, and clinical data related to EECP were collected from patients' medical records. An increased walking distance by 10% post-treatment, measured by 6-min-walk test, was considered a responder. The treatment completion rate was high, and the occurrence of AE was low. Adverse events occurred more often in the beginning and gradually decreased towards the end of EECP treatment. The AE were either device related (e.g. muscle pain/soreness) or non-device related (e.g. bradycardia). Medical (e.g. medication adjustments) and/or nursing (e.g. extra padding around the calves, wound dressing) actions were used. The AE distribution did not differ between responders (n = 49, 41.2%) and non-responders. Skin lesion/blister occurred mostly in responders and paraesthesia occurred mostly in non-responders. CONCLUSION: Enhanced external counterpulsation appears to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment option in patients with RAP. However, nurses should be attentive and flexible to meet their patients' needs to prevent AE and early termination of treatment.

Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life With an Ambulatory Counterpulsation Pump in Advanced Heart Failure Patients: Results of the Multicenter Feasibility Trial.

BACKGROUND: The NuPulseCV intravascular ventricular assist system (iVAS) provides extended duration ambulatory counterpulsation via a durable pump placed through the distal subclavian artery. METHODS: We performed a prospective, single-arm, multicenter, US Food and Drug Administration-approved feasibility trial of iVAS therapy as a bridge to transplant or decision following the FIH (First-In-Human) trial. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were enrolled, and 45 patients (median 61 years old, 37 males, and 30 listed on United Network of Organ Sharing) received iVAS support for median 44 (25-87) days. There were no intraoperative complications. Success was defined as survival or transplant on iVAS therapy free from disabling stroke. Outcome success at 30 days (the primary end point of this study) and at 6 months was 89% and 80%, respectively. During 6 months of iVAS support, 2 patients died and 2 patients experienced disabling neurological dysfunction. Six-minute walk distance, 2-minute step test, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score improved during 4-week iVAS support. CONCLUSIONS: This feasibility trial demonstrated promising short-term outcomes of iVAS therapy with improved functional capacity and quality of life during the therapy. Registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02645539.

Enhanced External Counterpulsation Efficacy on Exercise Endurance in COPD Patients and Healthy Subjects: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.

Purpose: Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is popular in China for the treatment of coronary heart diseases, but it may be an effective treatment for other populations. This study aimed to explore the effect of EECP on exercise endurance of healthy people and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and provide intervention measures to improve their physical condition. Patients and methods: Patients were enrolled in this pilot randomized controlled trial at Jiangbin Hospital, China, between March 1st and May 30th, 2018. They were randomly divided into the EECP and non-EECP groups. According to their maximal oxygen uptake, the volunteers were also sub-grouped into the normal, low exercise endurance, and COPD subgroups. Differences in exercise endurance were evaluated between the EECP and non-EECP groups before and after treatment. Cardiopulmonary exercise testng included anaerobic threshold oxygen uptake (AT-VO2Kg), maximum oxygen uptake (Max-VO2Kg), anaerobic threshold pulse (AT-O2puls), anaerobic threshold metabolic equivalent (AT-Mets), and maximum metabolic equivalent (Max-Mets). Results: 72 volunteers were enrolled. The EECP and non-EECP groups were similar in terms of age, sex, body mass index, blood pressure, heart rate, breathing frequency, AT-VO2Kg, Max-VO2Kg, AT-O2puls, AT-Mets, and Max-Mets (P > 0.05) before treatment. EECP significantly improved AT-VO2Kg, Max-VO2Kg, AT-O2puls, AT-Mets, and Max-Mets compared with the non-EECP group (P<0.05). When analyzed according to sub-groups, the AT-VO2Kg, Max-VO2Kg, AT-O2puls, AT-Mets, and Max-Mets of the normal, low exercise endurance, and COPD subgroups were all significantly increased after EECP (P<0.05). Conclusion: EECP significantly improved the exercise endurance of normal adults, low endurance adults, and COPD patients. Registration number: ChiCTR1900021993.

Refractory Angina: From Pathophysiology to New Therapeutic Nonpharmacological Technologies.

Despite optimal combination of guideline-directed anti-ischemic therapies and myocardial revascularization, a substantial proportion of patients with stable coronary artery disease continues to experience disabling symptoms and is often referred as "no-option." The appraisal of the pathways linking ischemia to symptom perception indicates a complex model of heart-brain interactions in the generation of the subjective anginal experience and inspired novel approaches that may be clinically effective in alleviating the angina burden of this population. Conversely, the prevailing ischemia-centered view of angina, with the focus on traditional myocardial revascularization as the sole option to address ischemia on top of medical therapy, hinders the experimental characterization and broad-scale clinical implementation of strongly needed therapeutic options. The interventionist, often the first physician to establish the diagnosis of refractory angina pectoris (RAP) following coronary angiography, should be aware of the numerous emerging technologies with the potential to improve quality of life in the growing population of RAP patients. This review describes the current landscape and the future perspectives on nonpharmacological treatment technologies for patients with RAP, with a view on the underlying physiopathological rationale and current clinical evidence.

Long-term hemodynamic mechanism of enhanced external counterpulsation in the treatment of coronary heart disease: a geometric multiscale simulation.

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive treatment method for coronary artery atherosclerosis that acts on the vascular endothelial cells. The intracoronary hemodynamic parameters that influence long-term treatment effect are the fundamental factors for the inhibition of intimal hyperplasia, which cannot be measured in real time. In order to optimize the long-term treatment effect of coronary heart disease, it is necessary to establish a method for quantified calculation of intracoronary hemodynamic parameters during counterpulsation to research the long-term hemodynamic mechanism of EECP. A geometric multiscale model coupled by the zero-dimensional (0D) lumped parameter model and the three-dimensional (3D) model of narrow coronary artery was established for the simulation of intracoronary hemodynamic environment. The 3D model was used to calculate the hemodynamic parameters such as wall shear stress (WSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI), while the 0D model was used to simulate the blood circulatory system. Sequential pressure was applied to calves, thighs, and buttocks module in 0D model with the consideration of vessel collapse. Hemodynamic performance was compared with clinical reports to verify the effectiveness of the method. There were significant increases of the diastolic blood pressure (DBP), coronary flow, and the area-averaged WSS during application of EECP, while OSI behind stenosis has some decrease. The waveforms of coronary flow has good similarity with the clinical measured waveforms, and the differences between calculated mean arterial pressures (MAPs) and clinical measurements were within 1%. The fundamental factor in the cure of coronary heart disease by EECP is the improvement of WSS and the decrease of OSI. Comparing with the clinical reports, the immediate hemodynamic changes demonstrate the effectiveness of model. Intracoronary hemodynamic parameters during EECP could be acquired and the method could be used to simulate the long-term treatment effect of EECP. Graphical abstract.

Preload Sensitivity with TORVAD Counterpulse Support Prevents Suction and Overpumping.

PURPOSE: This study compares preload sensitivity of continuous flow (CF) VAD support to counterpulsation using the Windmill toroidal VAD (TORVAD). The TORVAD is a two-piston rotary pump that ejects 30 mL in early diastole, which increases cardiac output while preserving aortic valve flow. METHODS: Preload sensitivity was compared for CF vs. TORVAD counterpulse support using two lumped parameter models of the cardiovascular system: (1) an open-loop model of the systemic circulation was used to obtain ventricular function curves by isolating the systemic circulation and prescribing preload and afterload boundary conditions, and (2) a closed-loop model was used to test the physiological response to changes in pulmonary vascular resistance, systemic vascular resistance, heart rate, inotropic state, and blood volume. In the open-loop model, ventricular function curves (cardiac output vs left ventricular preload) are used to assess preload sensitivity. In the closed-loop model, left ventricular end systolic volume is used to assess the risk of left ventricular suction. RESULTS: At low preloads of 5 mmHg, CF support overpumps the circulation compared to TORVAD counterpulse support (cardiac output of 3.3 L/min for the healthy heart, 4.7 with CF support, and 3.5 with TORVAD counterpulse support) and has much less sensitivity than counterpulse support (0.342 L/min/mmHg for the healthy heart, 0.092 with CF support, and 0.306 with TORVAD counterpulse support). In the closed-loop model, when PVR is increased beyond 0.035 mmHg s/mL, CF support overpumps the circulation and causes ventricular suction events, but TORVAD counterpulse support maintains sufficient ventricular volume and does not cause suction. CONCLUSIONS: Counterpulse support with the TORVAD preserves aortic valve flow and provides physiological sensitivity across all preload conditions. This should prevent overpumping and minimize the risk of suction.

Non-PCI/CABG therapies for refractory angina.

Angina persists for many patients despite modern medical therapy and/or revascularization, and this is referred to as refractory angina. All patients with refractory angina must be treated with aggressive risk factor modification plus optimized medical management. ß-Blockers and nitrates are usually first-line agents; however most patients require multiple medications for refractory symptom control. Novel agents, such as ranolazine and ivabradine, as well as non-pharmacologic therapies, such as enhanced external counterpulsation and cardiac rehabilitation, may provide relief or reduction of angina. Other standard treatments such as antiplatelet therapy, lipid reduction therapy, blood pressure control, diabetes control, smoking cessation, and wei1ght control should be part of the management of refractory angina as well.

External Counterpulsation Increases Beat-to-Beat Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: External counterpulsation (ECP) is a noninvasive method used to augment cerebral perfusion in ischemic stroke. However, the response of beat-to-beat heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with ischemic stroke during ECP remains unknown. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with unilateral ischemic stroke at the subacute stage and 14 healthy controls were recruited. Beat-to-beat heart rate before, during, and after ECP was monitored. The frequency components of HRV were calculated using power spectral analysis. Very low frequency (VLF; <.04 Hz), low frequency (LF; .04-.15 Hz), high frequency (HF; .15-.40 Hz), total power spectral density (TP; <.40 Hz), and LF/HF ratio were calculated. RESULTS: In stroke patients, although there were no statistical differences in all of the HRV components, the HRV at VLF showed a trend of increase during ECP compared with baseline in the left-sided stroke patients (P = .083). After ECP, the HRV at LF and TP remained higher than baseline in the right-sided stroke patients (LF, 209.4 versus 117.9, P = .050; TP, 1275.6 versus 390.2, P = .017, respectively). Besides, the HRV at TP also increased after ECP compared with baseline in the left-sided stroke patients (563.0 versus 298.3, P = .029). CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of the side of the ischemia, patients showed an increased beat-to-beat HRV after ECP. Additionally, sympathetic and parasympathetic cardiac modulations were increased after ECP in patients after right-sided subacute stroke.

Sunshine Heart C-Pulse: device for NYHA Class III and ambulatory Class IV heart failure.

Advanced heart failure (HF) patients not meeting criteria for ventricular assist device or heart transplant with life-limiting symptoms are limited to medical and resynchronization therapy. The Sunshine Heart C-Pulse, based on intra-aortic balloon pump physiology, provides implantable, on-demand, extra-aortic counterpulsation, which reduces afterload and improves cardiac perfusion in New York Heart Association Class III and ambulatory Class IV HF. The C-Pulse reduces New York Heart Association Class, improves 6-min walk distances, inotrope requirements and HF symptom questionnaires. Advantages include shorter operative times without cardiopulmonary bypass, no reported strokes or thrombosis and no need for anticoagulation. Driveline exit site infections, inability to provide full circulatory support and poor function with intractable arrhythmias remain concerns. Current randomized controlled studies will evaluate long-term efficacy and safety compared with medical and resynchronization therapy.

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) decreases advanced glycation end products and proinflammatory cytokines in patients with non-insulin-dependent type II diabetes mellitus for up to 6 months following treatment.

AIMS: Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive, non-pharmacologic intervention proven to increase nitric oxide bioavailability in patients with coronary artery disease. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential clinical benefits of EECP on advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and proinflammatory cytokine concentrations in patients with a clinical diagnosis of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Thirty subjects (60.7 ± 1.9 years) with T2DM were randomly assigned (2:1 ratio) to receive either 35 1-h sessions of EECP (n = 20) or time-matched standard care (n = 10). AGEs, receptors for AGEs (RAGEs), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecules-1 (sVCAM-1), and 8-iso-prostaglandin 2α (8-iso-PGF2α) were evaluated before and at 48 h, 2 weeks, 3, and 6 months following EECP treatment or time-matched control. RESULTS: EECP significantly decreased AGEs and RAGEs at all follow-up measurement time points. AGEs and RAGEs were decreased at 48 h (-75 and -16 %), 2 weeks (-87 and -28 %), 3 months (-89 and -29 %), and 6 months (-92 and -20 %) following EECP treatment, respectively. sVCAM-1 and 8-iso-PGF2α were significantly decreased at 48 h (-30 and -49 %) and 2 weeks (-22 and -27 %) following EECP, respectively. sVCAM-1 (-27 %) remained significantly reduced at 3 months following EECP. Nitrite/nitrate (NOx) was significantly increased at 48 h (+48.4 %) and 2 weeks (+51.9 %) following EECP treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide novel evidence that EECP decreases AGE/RAGE concentrations, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with T2DM that persist for up to 6 months following treatment.

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) improves biomarkers of glycemic control in patients with non-insulin-dependent type II diabetes mellitus for up to 3 months following treatment.

AIMS: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential clinical benefits of EECP on glycemic parameters [fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial glucose (PPG120), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)] in patients with a clinical diagnosis of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Thirty subjects (60.7 ± 1.9 years) with T2DM were randomly assigned (2:1 ratio) to receive either 35 1-h sessions of EECP (n = 20) or time-matched control of standard care (n = 10). FPG, PPG120, and HbA1c were evaluated before and at 48 h, 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months following EECP treatment or time-matched control. RESULTS: EECP significantly decreased FPG (-14.6 and -12.0 %), PPG120 (-14.6 and -13.5 %), and HbA1c (-11.5 and -19.6 %) 48 h following EECP and 2 weeks following EECP, respectively. HbA1c remained significantly reduced at 3 months following EECP (-14.3 %). The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (-31.1 %) and whole-body composite insulin sensitivity index (+54.2 %) were significantly improved 48 h following EECP. Nitrite/nitrate (NO x ) was significantly increased 48 h following EECP (+48.4 %) and 2 weeks (+51.9 %) following EECP treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide novel evidence that EECP improves glycemic control in patients with T2DM that persist for up to 3 months following treatment.

Extended extra-aortic counterpulsation with the C-Pulse device does not alter aortic wall structure.

The C-Pulse System is an implantable, extra-aortic, non-blood-contacting counterpulsation device, investigational in the United States and intended for use as a heart assist device for heart failure (NYHA class III-ambulatory IV) patients. As long-term effects of this implantable extra-aortic counterpulsation device on the aortic wall structure are not well established, we examined the histological and clinical data of a patient supported on the device for 21 months. A 58-year-old woman diagnosed with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NYHA III) remained symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy and dual chamber pacemaker. She was listed for heart transplant, and a C-Pulse device was implanted. One month after implantation, her symptoms improved from NYHA class III to class I, and her cardiac output increased from 3.5 to 5.5 L/min. She received a heart transplant 21 months after device implantation. Tissue samples from her ascending aorta were obtained. They appeared normal on macroscopic examination. Microscopic examination revealed a normal intima and media, with no disruption; a mild neutrophilic inflammation was noted on the adventitia. Extended extra-aortic counterpulsation with the C-Pulse device provided hemodynamics and symptoms improvement in a class III heart failure patient and does not appear to significantly alter aortic wall structures.

The immediate and one-year outcomes of dialysis patients with refractory angina treated by enhanced external counterpulsation.

Adult dialysis patients with angina pectoris refractory to medical treatment or revascularization are not uncommon. Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) has been proven to be effective in reducing myocardial ischemia and refractory angina. The objective of this study was to assess the immediate and 1-year effects of EECP treatment in dialysis patients with refractory angina. Thirty-six consecutive dialysis patients were treated with EECP, and a follow-up was conducted after 1 year. The Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) Angina Grading Scale was used to measure angina severity. Medications were recorded before EECP treatment, at the end of treatment, and at 1-year follow-up. Adverse events and risk factors of cardiovascular disease were recorded and analyzed. At 1-year follow-up, data from patients improving by at least one CCS class after treatment were compared with data from patients showing no improvement. The improvement rates in CCS class were 85% immediately after EECP and 66% at 1-year follow-up. Thallium-201 myocardial perfusion imaging demonstrated a reversible resolution of 40% and improvement of 25% immediately after EECP treatment. Diabetes mellitus and high serum phosphate levels were risk factors affecting whether the beneficial effects of EECP treatment could be sustained (p < 0.05). Major adverse events were rare. EECP shows potential for refractory angina in dialysis patients. The beneficial effects were sustained for more than 1 year in 66% patients. Diabetes mellitus and high serum phosphate levels were major factors impacting the sustained effectiveness of EECP treatment. Nonetheless, adequately powered future studies are necessary to assess safety and efficacy of this procedure.

[Enhanced external counterpulsation therapy for patients with angina pectoris]. / Enhanced external counterpulsation til behandling af refraktær angina pectoris.

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive therapy offered to patients with angina pectoris who have unacceptable chest pain despite medical treatment and who have no operative options. During EECP three sets of pneumatic cuffs wrapped around the lower extremities are inflated to a pressure of 260-300 mmHg in diastole. This creates an augmented diastolic blood pressure and an increase in coronary blood flow. The therapy is usually given for one hour five days a week in seven weeks. EECP is known to reduce the frequency of angina, increase the quality of life and reduce the frequency of hospitalisation.

The safety and efficacy of enhanced external counterpulsation as a treatment for angina in patients with aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Comorbid aortic stenosis (AS) has been considered a precaution when applying enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) to individuals with angina due to concerns about treatment-related hemodynamic changes. HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to determine whether EECP safely reduces symptoms of myocardial ischemia and improves hemodynamics in individuals with AS. METHODS: Forty-three patients with AS (average age, 73 years; 86% male) and 43 comparison patients without AS were chosen from a database of 1327 EECP patients. Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) Functional Angina Classification, diastolic augmentation ratio, and blood pressure were measured at baseline and on completion of the course of EECP. RESULTS: Thirty-five of the 43 patients with AS (81%, 95% CI: 66.6% to 91.6%) and 38 of the 43 without AS (88%, 95% CI: 74.9% to 96.1%) improved in angina class (P < 0.0001). There was no statistical difference between the percentages in patients with and without AS (P = 0.54). CCS angina class outcome was not associated with AS severity (P = 0.55). The percentage of patients with diastolic augmentation ratio ≥1.0 was 16.3% in both groups at baseline and improved to 39.5% in AS patients and 37.2% in non-AS patients after EECP (both P = 0.002). The average decreases in systolic blood pressure in subjects with AS (-15 mm Hg, 95% CI: 11 to 20, P < 0.0001) and without AS (-18 mm Hg, 95% CI: 14 to 22, P < 0.0001) were similar (P = 0.31). No major adverse cardiac events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Angina patients with AS who undergo EECP had clinically important symptomatic and hemodynamic improvements comparable to their non-AS counterparts.

Balloon-pump counterpulsation for management of severe cardiac dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) placement to counter severe cardiac dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHODS: From August 2006 to October 2011, eight patients (seven women, mean age 47 years ± 5) with aneurysmal SAH underwent IABP placement. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to assess outcome at discharge and long-term follow-up. RESULTS: Most patients presented in poor Hunt & Hess grade (grade III, 25%; grade IV, 62.5%; grade V, 12.5%). Three patients underwent surgical clipping, and five patients underwent endovascular treatment. All patients had severe cardiogenic shock, with a mean ejection fraction of 21%. One patient (12.5%) experienced transient left leg ischemia attributable to the IABP. No patient deaths occurred. At discharge, one patient was moderately disabled (mRS = 3), two patients were moderately to severely disabled (mRS, 4), and five patients were severely disabled (mRS = 5). The seven patients available for long-term follow-up (mean, 11.25 months) showed substantial functional improvements. Two patients exhibited no significant disability (mRS = 1), two patients exhibited only slight disability (mRS = 2), and 3 patients exhibited moderate to severe disability (mRS = 4). CONCLUSIONS: In select patients, particularly young women with poor-grade SAH, balloon-pump counterpulsation may serve as a useful adjunct in the management of severe cardiac dysfunction after SAH. Further investigation is necessary to define the optimal patient population for this technique.