title: Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in contemporary practice - where are we?
abstract: The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) remains the most widely used form of mechanical circulatory support in current clinical practice. This article will review the current evidence to guide IABP use, focussing on large registry and prospective, randomised data, and seek to establish appropriate roles for the IABP in contemporary practice. Despite a paucity of clinical evidence, the IABP remains a useful clinical tool in selected settings, although its routine, up-front use in relatively unselected MI populations is not supported by data. Although current evidence no longer supports routine use in certain high-risk groups, further studies of appropriately selected high-risk patients may yet demonstrate benefit in patients with moderate-severe degrees of shock.
authors.affiliation: Green Lane Cardiovascular Service, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Jonathon M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: White
authors.affiliation: Green Lane Cardiovascular Service, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand; University of Auckland School of Medicine, Auckland, New Zealand. Electronic address: pruygrok@adhb.govt.nz.
authors.forename: Peter N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Ruygrok
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007423:Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000601:surgery*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012769:Shock / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Assisted circulation; Counterpulsation; Haemodynamic support; Myocardial infarction; Shock