IABP
Also written as: IABP — Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump
Intra-aortic balloon pump, a mechanical circulatory support device that augments coronary perfusion and reduces afterload.
Full Definition
The Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) is a temporary mechanical circulatory support device consisting of a balloon catheter positioned in the descending thoracic aorta. The balloon inflates during diastole to augment coronary artery perfusion and deflates during systole to reduce left ventricular afterload and myocardial oxygen demand. IABP counterpulsation is commonly used in cardiogenic shock, high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions, and as a bridge to more definitive therapy such as left ventricular assist devices or heart transplantation.
Usage
Usage note: May be written as 'IABP' or 'balloon pump' in clinical documentation; ensure timing with cardiac cycle is specified.
In Context
- "An IABP was inserted prophylactically before high-risk PCI in this patient with severe left main disease." — Procedural note
- "The patient's hemodynamics improved significantly after IABP placement, with increased mean arterial pressure and reduced lactate levels." — ICU progress note