In this episode, we go over the practical use and management of intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) in the cardiac intensive care unit. How does the IABP assist during systole and diastole, and what are the hemodynamic benefits of its inflation and deflation? What physiologic effects does the balloon pump have on cardiac output, coronary perfusion, left ventricular wall stress, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, heart rate, and urine output? Why is helium used? What are key indications and contraindications for balloon pump placement? Where do you want the IABP to be located on monitoring chest X-ray? What level of diastolic augmentation and assisted end-diastolic pressure do you want to see for the IABP to be effective? When should you use ECG trigger, pressure trigger, pacemaker trigger, and asynchronous mode? How do you recognize and troubleshoot early or late inflation and deflation? What steps should be taken if balloon perforation is suspected? What are best practices for weaning a patient off the balloon pump? Tune in for answers to these questions.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

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