[Mechanical circulatory support. 1: Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP)].

In cardiac surgery mechanical circulatory support with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) is an established measure for the therapy of perioperative low-output-syndrome and refractory cardiogenic shock. The favourable influence on the myocardial oxygen supply and demand-relationship with an improvement of the energetic balance guarantees the functional and ultrastructural recovery of reversibly damaged ischemic myocardium. The efficacy of IABP is uncontradicted and verified by high survival rates even in patients with severe impairment of the ventricular function. The system is easy to applicate by standardized surgical techniques of im- and explantation, safely to handle due to improvements of the technical equipment and can be applied at a low risk.