Learn more. An intra-aortic balloon pump IABP is a type of therapeutic device. It helps your heart pump more blood. You may need it if your heart is unable to pump enough blood for your body. The IABP consists of a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. Attached to the tip of the catheter is a long balloon. This is called an intra-aortic balloon, or IAB.
The other end of the catheter attaches to a computer console. This console has a mechanism for inflating and deflating the balloon at the proper time when your heart beats. Your heart pumps oxygenated blood and nutrients to all parts of your body. Blood leaves the heart through the arteries, the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood. The outer walls of the heart also contain arteries. These are called the coronary arteries. Through these vessels, the heart receives the oxygen and nutrients it needs.
When the heart contracts, it sends blood out to the body. As it relaxes, blood flows into the coronary arteries to bring oxygen to the heart. An IABP allows blood to flow more easily into your coronary arteries. It also helps your heart pump more blood with each contraction. The balloon is inserted into your aorta. The aorta is the very large artery leaving your heart. In many cases, this procedure is done through a small cut on the inside of your upper leg.
Your healthcare provider will insert the balloon pump catheter into an artery in your leg. He or she will then guide it to your aorta. From there, the IABP can start to do its work.
The balloon is set to inflate when the heart relaxes. It pushes blood flow back toward the coronary arteries. They may not have been receiving enough blood without the pump. When the heart contracts, the balloon deflates. That allows the heart to pump more blood out to the body while using less energy. The device continues to inflate and deflate until it is removed.
An IABP is a short-term treatment. You may need it until your heart condition improves or until you can receive a more permanent treatment. Its use is rapidly growing. IABP therapy is used to treat cardiogenic shock. Author: Healthwise Staff.
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Updated visitor guidelines. Top of the page. Topic Overview What is an intra-aortic balloon pump? An intra-aortic balloon pump IABP is a mechanical device that helps the heart pump blood. Why is it used? How does it work? This inflation helps increase blood flow to the heart and the rest of the body.
It should go away within minutes of starting the IABP. If you are still having symptoms, you may need further treatment. Your healthcare provider will watch for complications. You will need to stay in bed afterward and until the IABP is removed. The head of your bed should be slightly elevated. The leg with the catheter insertion should remain straight. That will help keep the balloon from moving out of place. You may also need daily chest X-rays to make sure the device is still in the correct spot.
The pump normally makes sounds as it cycles between inflation and deflation. Tell your healthcare provider right away about any new symptoms, such as bleeding from the insertion site. Chest pain might be a sign that the timing of your device needs to be adjusted. Paleness or tingling in your leg may point to reduced blood flow to that region.
You may need to stay on the pump for several days. Your healthcare provider will monitor you. They may temporarily turn the pump off to see how you respond. Or they may set it to inflate and deflate with only every second or fourth heartbeat. If your heart continues to pump well on its own, you may be ready to stop the IABP therapy. You might also stop the therapy when another intervention becomes available. This might be a donated heart or permanent mechanical assist device.
When it's time to remove the pump, you will likely get medicine to help you relax. Your healthcare provider will then remove the catheter and the attached balloon. They will also close up the incision on your leg or apply direct pressure for a few minutes.
Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions about what to expect. Follow these carefully to help increase your chances of a positive outcome. Search Encyclopedia. Why might I need intra-aortic balloon pump therapy? Some heart problems can cause cardiogenic shock. What are the risks of intra-aortic balloon pump therapy?
How do I get ready for intra-aortic balloon pump therapy? Also let them know if you have: Any other medical conditions A problem with sedation New symptoms, such as a sudden fever If you smoke, you should try to stop before your procedure.
You may need other tests to assess your health beforehand. These might include: Basic blood work, to check for anemia and infection Electrocardiogram, to check your heart rhythm Chest X-ray, to view your heart and lungs Echocardiogram, to view how well your heart is pumping Cardiac catheterization, to see how widespread your coronary disease is What happens during intra-aortic balloon pump therapy?
It will deflate when your heart contracts The end of the catheter will be secured, so it stays in place. What happens after intra-aortic balloon pump therapy?
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