[A new device: a fenestrated sheath for IABP, which reduces the incidence of ischemia in the lower limbs].

: To decrease the incidence of ischemia in the lower limbs, we developed a new introducer sheath for IABP, which had 38 side holes (diameter; 1mm). Forty-five patients who received IABP counterpulsation support with this fenestrated sheath were compared with 108 patients in whom the ordinary nonfenestrated sheath was used. There was no significant statistical difference between these two study groups regarding age, height, weight and IABP insertion time. The frequency of ischemic episode of the lower limbs was 2.2% (one out of 45 patients) in the group with the fenestrated sheath, which was significantly lower than those with the ordinary sheath (18 out of 108: 16.7%) (p < 0.005). From these data, we deduced that this fenestrated sheath allowed more blood flow to the lower limb and was thus effective in preventing limb ischemia, particularly in patients with small caliber femoral arteries.