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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