Search

The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) enhances myocardial performance by minimizing oxygen supply/demand mismatch [1–6]. Balloon inflation during diastole enhances myocardial oxygen delivery due to increased diastolic coronary perfusion pressure [4–6]. Balloon deflation just prior to systole reduces myocardial oxygen demand by unloading the left ventricle [4–6]. Recent evidence has identified the IABP as a therapeutic modality that may reduce perioperative mortality due to these myocardial benefits [1–3].

Recent international consensus has identified intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) as a therapeutic modality that may reduce perioperative mortality [Landoni et al. (Acta Anesthesiol Scand 55:259-66, 2011), Landoni et al. (J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 26:764-72, 2012)]. The therapeutic benefit of IABP stems from its improvement of left ventricular performance by minimizing oxygen supply/demand mismatch [Peura et al. (Circulation 126:2648-67, 2012)]. Balloon inflation during diastole enhances coronary perfusion pressure to boost myocardial oxygen delivery. Balloon deflation just prior to systole reduces myocardial oxygen demand by unloading the left ventricle.