How does counterpulsation with an IABP work?

How does counterpulsation with an IABP work?

• A. Inflates and deflates a balloon in the descending thoracic aorta in sync with the cardiac cycle to improve myocardial oxygen supply and decrease workload
• B. Pumps blood from the left ventricle directly
• C. Increases systemic vascular resistance during inflation
• D. Operates independently of the cardiac cycle

Answer: (A)

Counterpulsation with an intra-aortic balloon pump works by timing a balloon in the descending aorta to the heartbeat. The balloon inflates during diastole, raising diastolic aortic pressure and improving coronary blood flow when the heart is relaxed. It then deflates just before systole, creating a drop in aortic pressure that reduces left ventricular afterload and wall stress, lowering myocardial oxygen demand. This synchronization to the cardiac cycle enhances oxygen supply to the heart while easing its workload. It does not mechanically pump blood from the left ventricle, nor does inflation increase systemic vascular resistance; the key effects are diastolic augmentation and afterload reduction achieved in sync with the heartbeat.

Counterpulsation with an intra-aortic balloon pump works by timing a balloon in the descending aorta to the heartbeat. The balloon inflates during diastole, raising diastolic aortic pressure and improving coronary blood flow when the heart is relaxed. It then deflates just before systole, creating a drop in aortic pressure that reduces left ventricular afterload and wall stress, lowering myocardial oxygen demand. This synchronization to the cardiac cycle enhances oxygen supply to the heart while easing its workload. It does not mechanically pump blood from the left ventricle, nor does inflation increase systemic vascular resistance; the key effects are diastolic augmentation and afterload reduction achieved in sync with the heartbeat.