> Products > Educational Materials > IAT-009-OL > Introduction to IABP

Introduction to IABP

The Intra-Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation system is a volume displacement device. It consists of a catheter and a drive console. The catheter has a long balloon mounted on the end. It should be positioned so that the tip is approximately 1 to 2 cm below the origin of the left subclavian artery and above the renal arteries. On chest x-ray the tip should be visible in the 2nd or 3rd intercostal space.

DEFLATED	INFLATED	DEFLATED	INFLATED
Red wave = normal arterial pressure trace Blue wave = arterial pressure trace on IABP

Inflation The goal of inflation is to increase or augment perfusion. The principles of counterpulsation state that the balloon should be inflated at the start of diastole, just prior to the Dicrotic Notch. Aortic volume and pressure are increased through displacement principles causing: 1. Increased coronary perfusion pressure 2. Increased systemic perfusion pressure 3. Increased O2 supply to both the coronary and peripheral tissue 4. Increase baroreceptor response 5. Decreased sympathetic stimulation with the effect of: decreased Heart Rate, decreased Systemic Vascular Resistance, and increased Left Ventricular function
Deflation The goal of deflation is to reduce Left Ventricular work. The principles of counterpulsation state that the balloon should be deflated at the start of systole, during Isovolumetric Contraction. This deflation creates a "potential space" in the aorta, reducing aortic volume and pressure causing: 1. Afterload reduction and therefore a reduction in MVO2 2. Reduction in peak systolic pressure, therefore a reduction in LV work 3. Increased Cardiac Output 4. Improved ejection fraction and forward flow.

Caution: U.S. Federal Law limits these devices to sale by or on order of a physician. Contents of unopened, undamaged package are sterile. Disposable. Refer to package insert for current warnings, indications, contraindications, precautions, and instructions for use.