The overall aging of the population and the widespread diffusion of interventional cardiology procedures have resulted in the phenomenon that patients referred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are older and have more extensive disease and poorer left ventricular function than in previous years (Grover FL, et al 2001)
The evolution of myocardial protection techniques has yielded distinct benefits for the expanding population of high-risk candidates for CABG. However, current methods do not invariably prevent against myocardial stunning or frank necrosis (Onorati F, et al 2007).
Since its first application, the intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) has rapidly become a reliable device that improves the outcomes of high-risk coronary patients (Grover FL, et al 2001) .
The intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) is well-established as additional support to pharmacologic treatment of the failing heart, e.g., after myocardial revascularization (Bolooki H. 1998) .
The IABP increases coronary blood flow and peripheral perfusion by inflating in the aorta during diastole and augments the intrinsic elastic recoil force of the aorta (the Windkessel effect), respectively (Belz GG. 1995).
It deflates just at the beginning of systole and thus decreases the peripheral resistance, improving the cardiac output and decreasing the workload of the heart (Garrett K, Grady KL.2000).
Limitations to widespread use include concerns over the external validity of some studies, the invasive nature of the therapy, the risk of associated complications, and uncertainty in identifying those high-risk patients most likely to benefit from IABP placement (Baskett RJ et al 2005).
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