Comparison of an implanted abdominal aortic counterpulsation device with the intraaortic balloon pump in a heart failure model

The abdominal aortic counterpulsation device is a round pumping chamber with a valveless opening which is implanted retroperitoneally on the abdominal aorta. The Utah driver is connected to the device through an air conduit and is synchronized on the electrocardiographic signal to provide diastolic aortic augmentation. For comparison an intraaortic balloon was also driven by the Utah driver system. The abdominal aortic counterpulsation device (stroke volume = 30, 40 and 60 ml) and the intraaortic balloon pump (balloon volume = 20 ml) were tested in dogs with acute left ventricular failure. The abdominal aortic counterpulsation device was also tested in normal animals.