This chapter describes the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), which is the single most widely used mechanical circulatory assist device available today. Counterpulsation refers to balloon inflation in diastole and deflation in early systole: this results in increased coronary blood flow, left ventricular afterload reduction, and increased end-organ perfusion. Other uses of balloon counterpulsation include refractory ventricular arrhythmias, inability to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass, bridge to intervention in severe/critical aortic stenosis, and refractory pulmonary edema from decompensated heart failure. However, the absolute contraindications for IABP placement are aortic dissection, clinically significant aortic aneurysm, severe peripheral artery disease, significant aortic regurgitation, uncontrolled bleeding, and/or sepsis. The chapter then explains the optimal positioning for IABP. It also looks at complications associated with IABPs. These include thrombocytopenia and vascular complications, such as limb ischemia, bleeding, dissection, and hematoma/pseudoaneurysm formation. The presence of blood in the balloon tubing suggests the possibility of balloon rupture and gas embolism, an extremely uncommon but catastrophic event.
Vascular complications following intra-aortic balloon pump implantation: an updated review