The intraaortic balloon pump(IABP) is most widely used of all circulatory assist devices. Balloon inflation during diastole increases diastolic pressure, coronary artery blood flow, and oxygen supply to hypoxic myocardium, thus improving contractility...
The intraaortic balloon pump(IABP) is most widely used of all circulatory assist devices. Balloon inflation during diastole increases diastolic pressure, coronary artery blood flow, and oxygen supply to hypoxic myocardium, thus improving contractility of the failing myocardium. Balloon deflation during systole decreases the work of the failing LV by reducing LV peak systolic pressure and increasing stroke volume. IABP has been mainly used by cardiac surgeons for treatment of perioperative low cardiac output syndrome. However, One major trend in recent years is increased IABP use by interventional cardiologists. In this brief review, we summarize the indications, complications, and patient management of IABP.