Effect of intra-aortic balloon pump support on microcirculation during high-risk percutaneous intervention

Abstract

Circulatory support with IABP increases microcirculatory flow in the smallest vessels of the sublingual mucosa. Our data support the hypothesis that intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation increases coronary and microvascular perfusion, thus, improving microcirculation even in hemodynamically stable patients. The use of IABP may increase safety of complex PCI and decrease the risk of deleterious complications.