Prophylactic Use of an Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump

Findings from a randomized study show no benefit in patients at high risk for complications of percutaneous coronary intervention.

Intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs) are commonly used to reduce the likelihood of complications in stable high-risk patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Investigators for the randomized controlled Balloon Pump–Assisted Coronary Intervention Study evaluated this practice in 301 patients (mean age, 71; 80% men) with left ventricular (LV) ejection fractions of ≤30% and a large amount of myocardium at risk. The investigators excluded patients who fulfill American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Class I and II recommendations for IABP use: cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) within 48 hours before scheduled PCI, or complications of AMI requiring circulatory support. The primary endpoint w…

Reviewing Author

Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardUnited Healthcare; Element Science; Eyedentifeye, F-Prime

EquityHugo Health; Refactor Health; Element Science

Grant/Research SupportPfizer; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Janssen Research and Development, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Engineering; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Cancer Institute; American Heart Association

Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardUnited Healthcare; Element Science; Eyedentifeye, F-Prime

EquityHugo Health; Refactor Health; Element Science

Prophylactic Use of an Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump

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Reviewing Author