Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effect of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) combined with intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) on patients with acute left main coronary artery disease. Methods 3 patients suffered from acute left main coronary artery disease and timely supported by ECMO combined with or without IABP were reviewed. Results With the assistance of ECMO and/or IABP, all of the 3 patients had successfully undergone coronary angiography and coronary revascularization. The first case was performed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with stents placement; the second was performed coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); the third case was performed PTCA and CABG. All patients were weaned off ECMO. 2 patients were discharged, whereas the other one died 1 month after CABG. After 6~24 months follow-up, 2 survivors had good quality of life. Conclusion Efficient ECMO support with or without IABP might offer opportunities for the following revascularization on patients with acute left main coronary artery disease.

Key words: extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, intraaortic balloon counterpulsation, acute left main coronary artery disease, coronary revascularization