Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation is the most widely used therapy for support of a compromised left ventricle. The principles of counterpulsation were developed in the 1950s, and intra-aortic balloon pumps have been used for more than 40 years. Despite this long-standing clinical use, many of the timing practices have continued almost unchanged from their inception. One of the most important aspects of the pumps is timing, or synchronizing the action of the device with the cardiac cycle. The principles of timing are based on the physiological objectives of counterpulsation; however, research into alternative timing methods has led to conflicting and often confusing information on the appropriate timing method for a specific clinical situation or patient. Although a body of knowledge is available, much of the research is dated and covers only specific timing methods or populations of patients. Further evidence is needed to support the selection of timing methods and determine the clinical benefits of the various methods.
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1 July 2011
Cardiovascular Critical Care|
July 01 2011
Intra-aortic Balloon Pump Timing: Review of Evidence Supporting Current Practice
Patricia M. Hanlon-Pena, RN, MBA, MSN/Ed;
Patricia M. Hanlon-Pena is senior product manager, cardiac assist products, at Teleflex Medical/Arrow International, Inc, Everett, Massachusetts. Susan J. Quaal is a cardiovascular clinical specialist in the Department of Cardiology, George Wahlen VA Medical Center, and an adjunct associate clinical professor, University of Utah Health Sciences, in Salt Lake City, Utah
Corresponding author: Patricia M. Hanlon-Pena, rn, mba, msn/ed, 9 Plymouth St, Everett, MA 02149 (e-mail: pat.hanlon@teleflex.com).
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Susan J. Quaal, PhD, APRN
Susan J. Quaal, PhD, APRN
Patricia M. Hanlon-Pena is senior product manager, cardiac assist products, at Teleflex Medical/Arrow International, Inc, Everett, Massachusetts. Susan J. Quaal is a cardiovascular clinical specialist in the Department of Cardiology, George Wahlen VA Medical Center, and an adjunct associate clinical professor, University of Utah Health Sciences, in Salt Lake City, Utah
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Am J Crit Care (2011) 20 (4): 323–334.
Citation
Patricia M. Hanlon-Pena, Susan J. Quaal; Intra-aortic Balloon Pump Timing: Review of Evidence Supporting Current Practice. Am J Crit Care 1 July 2011; 20 (4): 323–334. doi: https://doi.org/10.4037/ajcc2011542
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