Intra-Aortic Counterpulsation Pump
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What is an intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation pump (IABP)?
An IABP is a device used for a short time to help your heart work normally. You may need an IABP if you have severe heart failure or other heart problems. An IABP may also be used to support your heart before or after you have heart surgery. The IABP catheter balloon inflates when your heart is filling with blood. This allows more blood and oxygen to go into your heart. The balloon deflates just before your heart pumps blood out. This sends more blood and oxygen out to your body. Healthcare providers will watch your condition and tell you when the IABP should be removed.
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How do I prepare to have an IABP inserted?
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. Your provider may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of the procedure. Arrange to have someone drive you home after you are discharged.
- Tell your provider about all medicines you currently take. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the procedure, and when to stop. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure.
- You may need tests to check your blood vessels. Tell your provider if you have bleeding problems or are taking blood thinners.
What will happen when the IABP is inserted?
- You will get medicine to prevent pain. A small incision will be made through the skin in your groin and into the artery beneath the skin. If the artery in your groin cannot be used, the catheter may be put in through your chest and into your aorta. A plastic graft (small tube) will be put into the artery to hold it open.
- A catheter will be threaded through the artery until it enters the aorta, and is near your heart. When the catheter is in place, the graft will be removed, and the catheter will be left in your aorta. The end of the catheter will be secured to your skin to stop it from coming out. The area will be covered with bandages.
What should I expect after the IABP is inserted?
You will be taken to a room to rest. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. Healthcare providers will monitor you closely for any problems. When healthcare providers see that you are okay, you may be taken to your hospital room.
- You will need to lie flat in bed for a few hours. If the catheter was inserted in your groin, you will need to keep your leg straight and not move it.
- Healthcare providers may remove the bandages covering your stitches soon after your procedure to check the area.
- You may have a bruise or swelling where the catheter went into your skin. The area may be sore or tender. These symptoms are normal and should go away in a few days.
- Medicines may be given to prevent or treat pain, blood clots, or a bacterial infection.
What are the risks of an IABP?
You may develop bleeding, an infection, or trouble breathing when the catheter is inserted. You may develop a life-threatening blood clot. The IABP balloon may burst inside your aorta, and the air inside the balloon may leak out. You may have chronic (long-term) pain, even with an IABP. The IABP may not help your heart condition.
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Further information
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