Use of an intra-aortic balloon pump during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Heart transplant is the primary treatment for end-stage heart failure; however, morbid obesity limits candidacy. Bariatric surgery performed in patients with advanced heart failure improves eligibility for heart transplantation. This is the first report of an intra-aortic balloon pump used during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. A patient with morbid obesity and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy was referred for weight loss surgery prior to evaluation for heart transplantation. An intra-aortic balloon pump was placed for aggressive diuresis and cardiovascular support during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The patient did not suffer any complications or require readmission. The use of an intra-aortic balloon pump as a mechanical circulatory system provided a safe laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in a patient with advanced heart failure.
