Femorofemoral bypass graft in intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation

E. M. Barasamian, M. Goldman, C. Crane, W. R. Felix Jr, N. S. Braunwald, T. Buchholtz and E. B. Smith

Femorofemoral arterial crossover grafts were used in three patients to avoid or correct limb ischemia during intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. In retrospec, these grafts should have been used in two earlier patients in whom the balloon was removed prematurely. They are applied to the femoral artery just distal to the site of insertion of the balloon or the the balloon access graft. Removal of the graft at the time of the balloon removal is optional.