Use of the intra-aortic balloon pump to stop gastrointestinal bleeding

Temporary aortic occlusion can be lifesaving in selected conditions. We describe the unorthodox use of an intra-aortic balloon pump without counterpulsation to achieve temporary vascular control in a patient with shock caused by rapid upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The technique of aortic balloon occlusion has been reported in several clinical circumstances, primarily trauma. However, its use to increase blood pressure and gain time for resuscitation before laparotomy for catastrophic gastrointestinal bleeding has not previously been described. [Karkos CD, Bruce IA, Lambert ME. Use of the intra-aortic balloon pump to stop gastrointestinal bleeding. Ann Emerg Med. September 2001;38:328-331.]