Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation as a therapy for shock.

As early as 1967, IABC has been effectively used to support patients in cardiogenic shock. IABC provides the temporary circulatory assistance necessary to maintain coronary perfusion pressure, improve stroke volume and cardiac output, and decrease left ventricular preload and afterload. Until new forward flow devices are perfected and become globally available as mechanical assistance for pump failure, the intra-aortic balloon pump will continue to provide temporary mechanical circulatory assistance to support patients in cardiogenic shock until diagnosis of the underlying cause and definitive therapy can be determined.