Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump

The Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) is a mechanical device placed by your cardiologist or cardiac surgeon to reduce the workload of your heart and to improve flow of blood to your coronary arteries. The IABP consists of a balloon attached to the end of a catheter which is inserted into the femoral artery in the groin. This can be done under a local anesthetic in the Intensive Care Unit or Cardiac Catheterization Lab or during your heart surgery. The catheter is threaded up the femoral artery into the largest artery in your body, the aorta. The balloon sits in the aorta and opens and closes in response to your hearts contractions. After your heart contracts and propels oxygen-rich blood into the aorta, the balloon rapidly opens up and propels some of the oxygen-rich blood back toward the coronary arteries. Just before your hearts next contraction, the balloon rapidly deflates creating a lower pressure in the aorta so the heart does not have to work as hard to pump the blood out.

The balloon catheter is attached to a large "console" that sits at the end of your bed. It is common to feel the "rhythmic pumping" of the machine.

While the IABP is in place, you will be asked to keep the affected leg straight. You will be cared for by a critical care nurse while you have the IABP in place. It is important that you notify your nurse should you feel any sudden pain or wetness at the IABP insertion site.