[Left ventricular rupture of mitral valve prosthesis implantation treated using an intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation].

Left ventricular rupture is an infrequent but potentially fatal complication of mitral valve replacement. In spite of the fact that several methods of repair have previously been described, the mortality rate remains nearly 85%. The use of the intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation may increase the possibilities of success in the repair of this dreaded complication. We present here three cases of left ventricular rupture associated to mitral valve prosthesis implantation successfully treated with the aid of intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation.