Future Perspectives of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping for Cardiogenic Shock

An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a device of internal counterpulsation. Inflation of the balloon in diastole results in a potential increase in coronary blood flow and an improvement in systemic perfusion, and deflation at the end of diastole reduces left ventricular afterload, although the hemodynamic effects are relatively small. With its favorable safety profile due to fewer adverse events, IABP has been used for more than 5 decades as the most common mechanical circulatory support device for cardiogenic shock. Recently, however, other short-term devices have become available, and the position of IABP for cardiogenic shock is rapidly changing. Meanwhile, novel improvements in knowledge and technology are pushing the boundaries of this device. In this review, we summarize the basic physiology and current evidence of this device and then discuss the outlook and implications of IABP in the future.