Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation – Does it work?

The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been in routine use for various cardiovascular indications for 5 decades. However, its regular use has been increasingly questioned. The aim of IABP counterpulsation is to enhance coronary blood flow and to reduce afterload of the left ventricle. In-vivo studies, however, provided insight into how physiological responses might counteract the desired effects of the device.

Large randomized trials did not show benefit of IABP in the main indications such as infarct-related cardiogenic shock, high-risk myocardial infarction without shock and elective high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. As these results are reflected differently in international guidelines and the interpretation of the evidence is heterogeneous, the frequency of IABP use differs considerably by region. Current research efforts predominantly focus on other active mechanical circulatory support devices making evidence-based approaches for possible final IABP niches more difficult.