Intra-aortic balloon pump - physiological effects (afterload reduction, diastolic augmentation)
Core concept
- IABP = balloon in the descending thoracic aorta, inflates/deflates synchronised to the cardiac cycle (usually ECG- or pressure-triggered)
- Inflates in diastole (just after aortic valve closure/dicrotic notch) -> displaces blood retrograde -> inc diastolic pressure -> inc coronary perfusion (coronary flow is diastolic-predominant)
- Deflates just before systole -> sudden pressure drop in the aortic root -> dec afterload -> dec LV wall stress and myocardial O2 demand, dec impedance to ejection -> modest inc in stroke volume/cardiac output
3 more sections, plus exam facts
Premium unlocks every note across every specialty, and the full exam fact library behind it.
Get premium access