Improved technique for insertion of intra-aortic balloon pump

B. S. Cutler and T. J. Vander Salm

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Gortex) grafts have several advantages over woven Dacron grafts for the insertion of intra-aortic balloons (IABP). Because of the smooth inner surface of the PTFE graft, an 8-mm graft may be used instead of the 10-mm minimum size with Dacron. The pliability of the PTFE graft makes it easier to sew with fine suture material, and its comformability permits a "blood tight" seal to be obtained with a single Dacron umbilical tape tie. We have used PTFE grafts for IABP insertion in 24 patients, with no infectious or thrombotic complications. This graft material seems to offer substantial technical advantages over woven Dacron for the insertion of IABP and subsequent arterial repair.