Can I Go Home With That Balloon Pump?

INTRA-AORTIC BALLOON PUMP (IABP) counterpulsation is the most commonly used mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device, especially for the following 3 subsets of medical conditions: cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction, and high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).1 The advantages of an IABP are improved coronary perfusion and decreased afterload; the drawbacks are potential limb ischemia and limited ambulation. Recently, new counterpulsation techniques and devices have been developed to address some of the disadvantages.
Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Case Conference Source Type: research