Right ventricular assistance by intrapulmonary counterpulsation

: Right ventricular failure is relatively frequent and constitutes one of the causes of post-operative heart failure. Few drugs are available to treat right ventricular failure. We present a simple and effective means of mechanical support available in all cardiovascular units: counterpulsation in the pulmonary artery. Our experience and a review of the literature have enabled us to determine the indications for this method to support a failing heart.