Intra aortic balloon pump (IABP)

An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a type of therapeutic device. It helps your heart pump more blood. You may need it if your heart is unable to pump enough blood for your body. ABP therapy is used to treat cardiogenic shock. That’s when your heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the needs of your body.

Some heart problems can cause cardiogenic shock. These include:
Unstable angina
Heart attack
Certain abnormal heart rhythms
Heart failure
Heart defects

You may also need an IABP if you have a certain medical procedure. For example, you may need it if you have a percutaneous coronary intervention. This procedure opens a blocked artery in the heart. You also might benefit from an IABP if you have heart surgery.

In some cases, you might not be able to use an IABP, even if your heart can’t pump enough blood. For example, people with a leaky aortic valve can’t safely use an IABP. Those with aortic aneurysms also can’t benefit from the therapy.