Intra Aortic Balloon Pump

Intra Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) An Intra Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) is a line with a long inflatable balloon that is inserted into the groin and advanced upwards in the aorta to finally rest between the arch of the aorta and just above the origin of the renal arteries so as not to occlude the renal arteries when the balloon inflates. It works using the theory of volume displacement. The balloon inflates at the onset of diastole and acts by holding blood in the proximal aorta for longer and thereby maintaining pressure in the coronary arteries to increase the level of oxygen supplied to the myocardium, also cerebral perfusion is increased. It also increases diastolic pressure downwards which increases perfusion to distal organs and tissues. The tip of the balloon pump can be visualised at the arch on a chest x-ray*. *Note it is important as a radiographer not to sit a patient erect for a chest x-ray with a IABP as this can cause complications with the positioning of the balloon pump. ◄... go back to Central Lines homepage ◄... go back to General Radiography homepage