The following situations may benefit from this device. * Cardiogenic shock when used alone as treatment for myocardial infarction. 9–22% (an average of 15.5%) survive the first year. * Reversible<unk> cardial mechanical defects complicating infarction, i.e. acute mitral regurgitation and septal perforation. * Unstable angina pectoris benefits from counterpulsation. * Post cardiothoracic surgery—most common and useful is counterpulsation in weaning patients from cardiopulmonary bypass after continued perioperative injury to myocardial tissue. * Preoperative use is suggested for high-risk patients such as those with unstable angina with stenosis greater than 70% of main coronary artery, in ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction less than 35%. * Percutaneous coronary angioplasty * In high risk coronary artery bypass graft surgery where cardiopulmonary bypass time was shortened, as well as during intubation period and hospital stay. * Thrombolytic therapy of acute myocardial infarction.
Intra-aortic balloon pump
Corticotomy
Aortic cross-clamp
Balloon tamponade
Pericardial window
Mechanical filter 
Cardiopulmonary bypass
Pericardiocentesis