title: Current concepts in the use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation.
abstract: Mechanical support of the circulation using intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation has thus far largely been confined to cardiac units. With improved techniques of insertion, many critically ill patients may now benefit. This article reviews the physiology of counterpulsation, the indications and contraindications for its use, and the complications that may occur.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Groby Road Hospital, Leicester.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Underwood
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Firmin
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Graham
mesh_terms: D002303:Cardiac Output, Low / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000075202:Contraindications; D015908:Counterpulsation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007423:Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D012770:Shock, Cardiogenic / Q000503:physiopathology; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation