Intraaortic
Balloon Pump
Why is the doctor performing this procedure?
To increase blood flow to the heart and body, and to decrease
the heart's workload.
What is the procedure?
Intraaortic balloon pump, commonly called IABP, is a catheter-based
procedure reserved for patients with severe heart disease
(e.g. heart attack, congestive heart failure, etc.), and/or
while waiting for a heart transplant.
The procedure requires placement of a catheter with an intraaortic
balloon attached. The balloon is inserted into an artery,
usually in the groin (the femoral artery) and then advanced
into the largest artery in your body, the aorta. Next, the
catheter is connected to a computer that will control the
inflation/deflation, timing and pressure, so that the balloon
will inflate when the heart muscle relaxes and deflate just
before the heart pumps again. This process is called "counterpulsation."
which assists your heart as follows:
The pump at your bedside inflates the balloon in your aorta
when the heart is relaxed, allowing the heart to receive more
oxygen rich blood without working so hard. Then, just before
your heart gets ready to pump this oxygenated blood, the pump deflates the balloon. This creates a drop
in pressure within your aorta, assisting your heart in pumping
the blood more easily throughout your body.
Once your heart stabilizes and can function properly on
its own, the IABP and catheter are removed, and pressure is
applied to stop bleeding.
IABP is typically used for the following situations:
-
During severe angina episodes
-
Before, during, or after open-heart surgery (in certain
patients only)
-
Before, during, or after balloon angioplasty (in certain
patients only)
-
During emergency situations, including heart attack and
congestive heart failure
-
During the waiting period for a donor heart for heart
transplantation
Where is the procedure performed?
Intraaortic balloon pump is usually done in the Cardiac
Cath Lab. Occasionally, it is performed in the Operating Room
(OR) or the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
How long does this procedure take?
The placement of the IABP takes about 30 minutes. The catheter
and IABP are then left in place until no longer needed—usually
a few days.
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