Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump
Intra-Aortic Balloon PumpSkip to the navigationTopic OverviewWhat is an intra-aortic balloon pump?An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a mechanical device
that helps the heart pump blood. This device is inserted into the aorta, the body's largest artery. It is a long, thin
tube called a catheter with a balloon on the end of it. If you are hospitalized, your doctor may insert an IABP. Your doctor will
numb an area of your leg and thread the IABP through the femoral artery in your
leg into your aorta. He or she then positions the IABP at the center of your
aorta, below your heart. The doctor will use an X-ray machine
during this procedure to help accurately position the IABP. Why is it used?An IABP might be used to stabilize a person who is in the hospital for acute mitral valve regurgitation or severe heart failure. An IABP is only used for a short period of time
(hours to days). A long-term treatment will likely be needed, such as valve surgery or the insertion of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). How does it work?The IABP reduces the workload
on your heart, allowing your heart to pump more blood. The IABP
is placed inside your aorta, the artery that takes blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The balloon on the end of the catheter inflates
and deflates with the rhythm of your heart. This helps your heart pump blood to the body. The IABP improves the function
of only your left ventricle, since this is the chamber that pumps blood into
your aorta. Here's how an IABP works: - After your
left ventricle has finished contracting, the balloon inflates. This inflation
helps increase blood flow to the heart and the rest of the body.
- As your left ventricle is about to pump out blood, the balloon
deflates. This deflation creates extra space in the aorta, allowing the heart
to pump out more blood. This decreases the workload on the heart.
What are the risks?- IABPs cause some side effects. An IABP can cause
an infection in your bloodstream if it is used for too long. An IABP can cause blood clots, which can lead to serious problems, such as a stroke. In rare cases, the balloon may
overinflate and tear the aorta.
- IABP treatment is also
inconvenient. You must lie extremely still in your hospital bed if you have one
of these devices in place.
ReferencesOther Works Consulted- Rihal CS, et al. (2015). 2015 SCAI/ACC/HFSA/STS Clinical
expert consensus statement on the use
of percutaneous mechanical circulatory
support devices in cardiovascular care. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 65(19): e7-e26. DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2015.03.036. Accessed July 18, 2016.
CreditsByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerRakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerDavid C. Stuesse, MD - Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery Current as ofAugust 12, 2016 Current as of:
August 12, 2016 Last modified on: 8 September 2017
|
|
|
|
|
|