An explanation of the mechanisms leading to the beneficial hemodynamic effects of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is lacking. We hypothesized that inflation and deflation of the balloon would generate a compression (BCW) and an expansion (BEW) wave, respectively, which, when analyzed with wave intensity analysis, could be used to explain the hemodynamic benefits of IABP support. Simultaneo...

Intra-aortic balloon pump is used frequently to support a failing myocardium in cardiac patients. Due to the invasive nature of this device, usage is accompanied by consistent risk of complications. Balloon rupture, although it occurs rarely, may lead to entrapment if diagnosis delays. A 78-year male who underwent cardiac surgery experienced balloon rupture and entrapment in the right femoral a...

We read with interest the article by Loubani et al. [1] regarding the use of intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) for dilating oesophageal strictures. There are fundamental reasons why IABP is not the instrument of choice for oesophageal dilatation, even in difficult cases. IABP was never designed as a dilator. Its function is to produce diastolic augmentation of coronary and systemic blood flow b...

The increasing use of the intra aortic balloon pump is attributed to the relatively easy percutaneous insertion and the low threshold of use over the past few years, especially in elderly patients with multi-vessel diseases and an affected ejection fraction.Unfortunately, the clinical assessment of the complications associated to the use of this supporting device, underestimates the frequency o...

M e c h a n i c a l circulatory assistance by means of diastolic pressure augmentation has proved beneficial in the management of left ventricular failure.l-' Intra-aortic phaseshift balloon pumping, a temporary form of this mode of assistance, has proved successful in the treatment of acute left ventricular failure5-' secondary to myocardial infarction. A permanently implanted assist device, t...