What is Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps?

An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a mechanical circulatory support device used to improve cardiac function in patients with heart failure, cardiogenic shock, or unstable angina. A balloon catheter is inserted into the aorta, and the balloon is inflated during diastole to increase coronary perfusion and deflated during systole to reduce afterload, thereby decreasing the heart's workload and improving cardiac output.