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Updated: May 13, 2026

The Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump
Published on: February 5, 2021
Preoperative IABP in high risk patients undergoing CABG
1Department of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Service, Cardiac Surgery.
Insights
Intraoperative aortic balloon pumps may reduce 30-day mortality in high-risk cardiac surgery patients. This expert opinion suggests preoperative intraoperative aortic balloon pump use saves lives in unstable patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiac Anesthesia and Intensive Care
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- Intraoperative aortic balloon pumps are recognized as ancillary strategies in cardiac surgery.
- International consensus highlights their potential to influence patient survival rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present expert insights on the use of preoperative intraoperative aortic balloon pumps.
- To evaluate the impact of intraoperative aortic balloon pumps on mortality in cardiac surgery.
Main Methods:
- Review of available limited randomized controlled trials.
- Analysis of clinical experience with preoperative intraoperative aortic balloon pump use.
Main Results:
- Preoperative intraoperative aortic balloon pump may reduce 30-day mortality in elective, high-risk coronary artery bypass surgery patients.
- Intraoperative aortic balloon pumps are recommended unless contraindicated.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative intraoperative aortic balloon pump use is a life-saving intervention for unstable cardiac surgery patients.
- Limited evidence supports the efficacy of intraoperative aortic balloon pumps in specific high-risk scenarios.
Abstract:
A recent international consensus conference on the reduction in mortality in cardiac anesthesia and intensive care included intraoperative aortic balloon pump among the ancillary (i.e. non-surgical) drugs/techniques/strategies that might influence survival rates in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The consensus conferences state that "Pre-operative intraoperative aortic balloon pump might reduce 30-day mortality in elective high risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery unless specifically contraindicated". The authors of this "expert opinion" presents their insights into the use of the preoperative intraoperative aortic balloon pump and conclude that based on available limited randomized controlled trials and clinical experience preoperative intraoperative aortic balloon pump saves lives in unstable patients.
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