Description
The use of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has increased recently. This is partly due to its use outside the cardiac surgery centres. It is used to provide circulatory support to sick and unstable patients as they are transported to tertiary centres for cardiac surgery or angioplasty. Modern IABPs are portable and allow continuous support. Anaesthetists get involved in it’s insertion and use in the intensive care unit and during the transfer of such patients to a regional cardiac centre for further treatment.
In this article, a brief description of the equipment used with a summary of the basic physiological effects of the IABP, its indications and complications.
