Right Ventricular Failure Resulting from Pressure Overload: Role of Intra-Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation and Vasopressor Therapy

BackgroundAugmentation of coronary perfusion may improve right ventricular (RV) failure following acute increases of RV afterload. We investigated whether intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) can improve cardiac function by enhancing myocardial perfusion and reversing compromised biventricular interactions using a model of acute pressure overload.Materials and MethodsIn 10 anesthetized pigs, RV failure was induced by pulmonary artery constriction and systemic hypertension strategies with IABP, phenylephrine (PE), or the combination of both were tested. Systemic and ventricular hemodynamics [cardiac index(CI), ventricular pressures, coronary driving pressures (CDP)] were measured and echocardiography was used to assess tricuspid valve regurgitation, septal positioning (eccentricity index (ECI)), and changes in ventricular and septal dimensions and function [myocardial performance index (MPI), peak longitudinal strain].ResultsPulmonary artery constriction resulted in doubling of RV systolic pressure (54 ± 4 mm Hg), RV distension, severe TR (4+) with decreased RV function (strain: –33%; MPI: +56%), septal flattening (Wt%: –35%) and leftward septal shift (ECI:1.36), resulting in global hemodynamic deterioration (CI: –51%; SvO2: –26%), and impaired CDP (–30%; P < 0.05). IABP support alone failed to improve RV function despite higher CDP (+33%; P < 0.05). Systemic hypertension by PE improved CDP (+70%), RV function (strain: +22%; MPI: –21%), septal positioning (ECI:1.12) and minimized TR, but LV dysfunction (strain: –25%; MPI: +31%) occurred after LV afterloading (P < 0.05). With IABP, less PE (–41%) was needed to maintain hypertension and CDP was further augmented (+25%). IABP resulted in LV unloading and restored LV function, and increased CI (+46%) and SvO2 (+29%; P < 0.05).ConclusionsIABP with minimal vasopressors augments myocardial perfusion pressure and optimizes RV function after pressure-induced failure.