The most common strategy for inserting an intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) is a catheter-based procedure. This procedure is done in the operating room, a catheterization laboratory or a hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU). In an emergency, it may be performed in the patient’s hospital room before the patient is moved to the ICU.

Just prior to the procedure, the area to receive the catheter is shaved (if necessary) and sterilized to prevent infection, and a mild sedative may be given to calm the patient. Once the patient is made comfortable, heart monitoring begins, an intravenous (I.V.) line is inserted and the area to receive the catheter is numbed with local anesthesia. The injection of the local anesthesia may result in a brief period of discomfort. This is normal and should be no cause for concern.

Once the local anesthesia takes effect, the physician will prepare to insert an IABP-tipped catheter. The IABP-tipped catheter is usually inserted through the femoral artery in the groin and guided all the way up to the aorta. Once inserted in the aorta, the catheter remains there until the IABP is removed.

 

The IABP is connected through the catheter to a computer console at the base of the patient’s bed, and patients will often feel its rhythmic pulsing as it controls the inflation and deflation of the IABP. The console includes a number of electrical devices, including:

• Controls for adjusting the IABP’s inflation and deflation
• Emergency backup power supply
• Monitor for recording electrocardiogram (EKG) and pressure wave data