Cardiology in the Young

Table of Contents - 2007 - Volume 17, Issue 01  


Brief Report

Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in a patient with the failing Fontan circulation

Ujjwal K. Chowdhury a1c1, Shyam S. Kothari a2 and Ganapathy K. Subramaniam a1
a1 Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
a2 Department of Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India

Article author query
chowdhury uk   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 
kothari ss   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 
subramaniam gk   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 

Abstract

We report a 23-year-old patient undergoing functionally univentricular repair who developed cardiac failure due primarily to systemic ventricular dysfunction. The failing Fontan circulation was successfully re-established using intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. Aortic counterpulsation facilitates recovery of systemic ventricular function, and appears to be a reasonable alternative in select instances of cardiac failure in patients with the Fontan circulation.

(Accepted February 15 2006)


Key Words: Functionally univentricular repair; mechanical circulatory assistance; heart failure.

Correspondence:
c1 Correspondence to: Dr. Ujjwal K. Chowdhury, M.Ch., Diplomate NB1 Additional Professor, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi – 110029. India. Tel: +26588700, +2658500, Ext. 4835; Fax: +26588641; E-mail: ujjwalchowdhury@gmail.com

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