Portable intraaortic balloon counterpulsation: Clinical experience and guidelines for use

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Abstract
Intraaortic balloon (IAB) Counterpulsation is a proven treatment for patients with refractory ischemia or cardiogenic shock; however its use has been largely limited to tertiary centers due to the difficulties and risks encountered in transporting patients with this device in place. We report our initial experience with 11 patients who underwent IAB Counterpulsation at a community hospital utilizing a portable transport IAB system. All 11 patients had successful IAB insertion, resulting in prompt stabilization. Immediate transportation during uninterrupted IAB Counterpulsation was successfully accomplished in each case using routine ambulance vehicles, allowing for the prompt initiation of further tertiary care. The role of portable IAB Counterpulsation in the community hospital and guidelines for the implementation of this portable IAB system are outlined.