Download IAB-BK

IAB-BK 12/00 5M
Part No. IAE-00100
Printed in Czech Republic
© 2000 Arrow International, Inc.
patient information
610-378-0131
Reading, PA 19605
2400 Bernville Road
Therapy
Balloon Pump
Intra-Aortic
When You Need
2
7
After the tissues take oxygen from the
blood, it is returned to the heart
through the body’s plumbing, called
veins. The heart, itself an organ, has
arteries and veins and also receive its
blood from heart pumping.
The major artery (pipe) leaving the
heart is the aorta (see figure). The aorta
is the place the balloon of the intraaortic balloon catheter resides.
There are two phases to the heart’s
pumping action. A work phase, known
as systole and a rest phase, known as
diastole. During diastole, blood is
returning to the heart. During systole,
blood is exiting the heart as it pumps.
How does Intra-Aortic Balloon
Pump Therapy work?
There must be a balance between how
much oxygen supply the heart receives
and how many factors place oxygen
demand on the heart (workload). When
the heart has too many oxygen demands
and not enough supply, symptoms such
as chest pain and fatigue may occur.
This can result in a “heart attack”
and/or the heart not being able to work
hard enough to pump blood and oxygen
to the entire body. Intra-Aortic Balloon
Pump Therapy may be initiated to
maintain the balance between oxygen
supply and demand
on the heart.
INFLATED
DEFLATED
Intra-Aortic
Balloon Pump
Therapy consists
of a balloon
catheter (tube)
which is inserted
into an artery
(femoral) in your
groin and pushed
up into the aorta,
• You will remain on bedrest for at least
the next eight hours to prevent bleeding.
Hospital policy varies on the amount of
time you will remain on bedrest.
Suppose I still have questions?
It’s normal to be apprehensive about a
medical procedure, especially one that’s
unfamiliar. This is a stressful time for
patients, family and friends. Don’t be
afraid to ask questions.
It is important to talk to your nurse or
doctor about any further questions or
concerns you may have.
Information given in this brochure in
no way supersedes established
medical and hospital procedures
concerning patient care. In each
case, the hospital must determine
whether the application of the
information provided is appropriate
to his/her particular setting.
Additional questions you may
wish to ask your doctor or nurse:
6
• If your condition allows, you may be
asked to cough and deep-breathe to
keep your lungs clear. You may also
be asked to do simple range-of-motion
exercises with the help of a clinician
to minimize the effects of bedrest and
immobility.
• You will be kept as comfortable as
possible and will be “log rolled” for
repositioning.
• In addition to the balloon pump, you
may be on heart medications given
through other catheters and attached
to another machine, called a monitor.
Therefore, your room may appear
crowded and continuous beeping of
equipment may be heard.
• The length of time a person remains
on balloon pump therapy varies
depending on his or her condition.
Removal of Balloon
• When your condition improves and
you are on minimal heart drug
support, the rate at which the pump
cycles will be decreased. This means
that the balloon does not inflate and
deflate as often. For example, instead
of every heart beat, the balloon may
inflate and deflate with every other
heart beat.
• You will hear a decrease in pumping.
This means you are getting better,
NOT that your heart is stopping.
• Once you are stable, the balloon will
be pulled from the groin. Continuous
pressure will be applied by a clinician
to the groin site for about a half hour.
A bandage will be applied and
perhaps a sandbag over the site for
additional pressure.
3
and a machine called a balloon pump,
which inflates (blows the balloon up)
and deflates (lets the balloon down)
the balloon.
The balloon pump is a machine that
shuttles a light-weight gas (helium) in and
out of the balloon. The pump is set to
inflate and deflate with your heartbeat.
Balloon pump therapy assists your
heart during both the work phase
(systole) and the rest phase (diastole) of
the cardiac cycle. The balloon inflates
during your heart’s rest phase when the
heart’s vessels, known as coronary
arteries are filling with blood. Balloon
inflation helps to push more blood and
oxygen into the coronary arteries which
helps increase the oxygen supply to the
heart. The balloon deflates during the
work phase (systole) so your heart does
not have to work as hard to pump blood
out, thus decreasing its workload and
oxygen demands.
What should you expect during
your procedure?
There are three stages of IABP therapy:
balloon insertion, pumping the balloon,
and balloon removal. Here’s what
occurs during each phase.
Balloon Insertion
• The balloon catheter is inserted by a
physician with the possible assistance
of other trained personnel (nurses or
specially trained technicians).
• The catheter may be inserted in your
room, the operating room, or you
may be brought to a special
catheterization lab.
• You will be lying flat for the insertion
and may be given medication to help
you relax. Oxygen may be given if you
have any difficulties with breathing.
4
5
During Pumping
Notes:
• The most common site used for
balloon insertion is the femoral artery
in the groin. This will be shaved,
cleaned with a special antiseptic
solution, and then covered with
sterile drapes. Your body and legs
will be covered as well.
• You will then be given some local
anesthetic to numb the insertion site.
This may sting a bit. You may also feel
some pressure or discomfort while the
catheter is being advanced. The intraaortic balloon remains inside you
• throughout
your balloon
pump therapy.
Once the
balloon
catheter is in
HEART
place, you will
not be able to
feel it inside
your body.
AORTA
• The catheter is
secured in
place, often
KIDNEY
MAJOR
with stitches,
VEIN
at the groin
and covered
with a
FEMORAL
ARTERY
bandage.
• It is important
that you try to
INSERTION SITE
remain calm, lie
flat and keep
your leg straight.
• Medication may be prescribed by
your physician to help you to
remain calm.
• The catheter tubing is then connected
to the external machine or balloon
pump, and the pump is turned on.
The intra-aortic balloon is not the same
thing as an angioplasty balloon. It also
does not pump the heart. The heart is
beating on its own. It just helps the heart
by decreasing the work of the heart.
What it is not.
This booklet is provided to you as a
reference. Your doctor and nurse are still
your best sources of information. Any
questions that you have should be directed
to them.
The information contained within this booklet
will help you understand Intra-Aortic Balloon
Pump (IABP) Therapy and how the balloon
catheter will be used in your treatment.
Your doctor has prescribed Intra-Aortic
Balloon Pump Therapy for you in order to
help your heart work better.
What it is. What to expect.
9
8
1
What is Intra Aortic Balloon
Pump Therapy?
Special instructions:
• The balloon pump shuttles helium in
and out of the balloon causing it to
inflate and deflate. It is precisely timed
with your heart rate. The pump does
make a “pumping” sound. When your
condition improves, the rate at which
the pump cycles will decrease. You
should not be alarmed when you hear
a decreased amount of pumping. This
just means that you are getting better.
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Therapy is
a medical procedure for the heart using
a catheter (tube) with a balloon on the
end. The intra-aortic balloon is a device
that helps the heart rest so it does not
have to work as hard. It is most
commonly used to support the heart
when cardiac drugs alone have not
improved your condition.
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Therapy is
used to prevent or stop a heart attack
or abnormal rhythms of the heart. It
can also be used to help supply more
blood to the heart muscle during heart
procedures or during or after coronary
artery bypass surgery.
• You will be continually monitored by
the nursing staff. The balloon pump
will be operated and continually
monitored by nurses or specially
trained technicians.
• It is important for you to report to a
nurse or physician any changes in
your condition, such as chest pain or
heaviness in your chest, difficulty
breathing, numbness, tingling, or
pain in your extremities.
How does your heart
pump blood?
Your heart is a muscle and its job is to
pump blood and oxygen to your entire
body. A continuous supply of blood and
oxygen are needed for
all organs and tissues
in order for them to
function properly.
Blood carries oxygen
to the tissues. Once
the tissues have taken
the oxygen they need,
the blood is returned
to the heart. Blood
circulates from the
heart (pump) to the
CORONARY ARTERIES
tissues and organs and
then back to the heart. Balloon
catheter
Blood leaving the
positioned
heart is oxygen-rich
in aorta
and travels through
the body’s plumbing,
called arteries.
• You will be on bedrest and will be
asked to lie flat or with your head
slightly elevated with the ballooned
leg straight so that the balloon may
function properly. Moving can cause
the catheter to kink or move out of
place. This could cause the pump not
to work properly or cause damage to
the vessel. Call your nurse when you
want to change your position so
he/she may help you.
• The nurse will be checking your leg
frequently. This includes routine
pulse checks, but it is important that
you tell her/him right away if you
have:(1) numbness (2) tingling or pain
in your leg, chest or arms (3) if you
feel dizzy, or (4) if you have a wet
sticky feeling at the insertion site.
AORTA
IAB-BK 12/00 5M
Part No. IAE-00100
Printed in Czech Republic
© 2000 Arrow International, Inc.
Intra-Aortic
When You Need
There must be a balance between how
much oxygen supply the heart receives
and how many factors place oxygen
demand on the heart (workload). When
the heart has too many oxygen demands
and not enough supply, symptoms such
as chest pain and fatigue may occur.
This can result in a “heart attack”
and/or the heart not being able to work
hard enough to pump blood and oxygen
to the entire body. Intra-Aortic Balloon
Pump Therapy may be initiated to
maintain the balance between oxygen
supply and demand
on the heart.
INFLATED
DEFLATED
Intra-Aortic
Balloon Pump
Therapy consists
of a balloon
catheter (tube)
which is inserted
into an artery
(femoral) in your
groin and pushed
up into the aorta,
2400 Bernville Road
Balloon Pump
How does Intra-Aortic Balloon
Pump Therapy work?
Reading, PA 19605
Therapy
After the tissues take oxygen from the
blood, it is returned to the heart
through the body’s plumbing, called
veins. The heart, itself an organ, has
arteries and veins and also receive its
blood from heart pumping.
The major artery (pipe) leaving the
heart is the aorta (see figure). The aorta
is the place the balloon of the intraaortic balloon catheter resides.
There are two phases to the heart’s
pumping action. A work phase, known
as systole and a rest phase, known as
diastole. During diastole, blood is
returning to the heart. During systole,
blood is exiting the heart as it pumps.
610-378-0131
patient information
2
7
• You will remain on bedrest for at least
the next eight hours to prevent bleeding.
Hospital policy varies on the amount of
time you will remain on bedrest.
Suppose I still have questions?
It’s normal to be apprehensive about a
medical procedure, especially one that’s
unfamiliar. This is a stressful time for
patients, family and friends. Don’t be
afraid to ask questions.
It is important to talk to your nurse or
doctor about any further questions or
concerns you may have.
Information given in this brochure in
no way supersedes established
medical and hospital procedures
concerning patient care. In each
case, the hospital must determine
whether the application of the
information provided is appropriate
to his/her particular setting.
Additional questions you may
wish to ask your doctor or nurse:
6
• If your condition allows, you may be
asked to cough and deep-breathe to
keep your lungs clear. You may also
be asked to do simple range-of-motion
exercises with the help of a clinician
to minimize the effects of bedrest and
immobility.
• You will be kept as comfortable as
possible and will be “log rolled” for
repositioning.
• In addition to the balloon pump, you
may be on heart medications given
through other catheters and attached
to another machine, called a monitor.
Therefore, your room may appear
crowded and continuous beeping of
equipment may be heard.
• The length of time a person remains
on balloon pump therapy varies
depending on his or her condition.
Removal of Balloon
• When your condition improves and
you are on minimal heart drug
support, the rate at which the pump
cycles will be decreased. This means
that the balloon does not inflate and
deflate as often. For example, instead
of every heart beat, the balloon may
inflate and deflate with every other
heart beat.
• You will hear a decrease in pumping.
This means you are getting better,
NOT that your heart is stopping.
• Once you are stable, the balloon will
be pulled from the groin. Continuous
pressure will be applied by a clinician
to the groin site for about a half hour.
A bandage will be applied and
perhaps a sandbag over the site for
additional pressure.
3
and a machine called a balloon pump,
which inflates (blows the balloon up)
and deflates (lets the balloon down)
the balloon.
The balloon pump is a machine that
shuttles a light-weight gas (helium) in and
out of the balloon. The pump is set to
inflate and deflate with your heartbeat.
Balloon pump therapy assists your
heart during both the work phase
(systole) and the rest phase (diastole) of
the cardiac cycle. The balloon inflates
during your heart’s rest phase when the
heart’s vessels, known as coronary
arteries are filling with blood. Balloon
inflation helps to push more blood and
oxygen into the coronary arteries which
helps increase the oxygen supply to the
heart. The balloon deflates during the
work phase (systole) so your heart does
not have to work as hard to pump blood
out, thus decreasing its workload and
oxygen demands.
What should you expect during
your procedure?
There are three stages of IABP therapy:
balloon insertion, pumping the balloon,
and balloon removal. Here’s what
occurs during each phase.
Balloon Insertion
• The balloon catheter is inserted by a
physician with the possible assistance
of other trained personnel (nurses or
specially trained technicians).
• The catheter may be inserted in your
room, the operating room, or you
may be brought to a special
catheterization lab.
• You will be lying flat for the insertion
and may be given medication to help
you relax. Oxygen may be given if you
have any difficulties with breathing.
The intra-aortic balloon is not the same
thing as an angioplasty balloon. It also
does not pump the heart. The heart is
beating on its own. It just helps the heart
by decreasing the work of the heart.
What it is not.
This booklet is provided to you as a
reference. Your doctor and nurse are still
your best sources of information. Any
questions that you have should be directed
to them.
The information contained within this booklet
will help you understand Intra-Aortic Balloon
Pump (IABP) Therapy and how the balloon
catheter will be used in your treatment.
Your doctor has prescribed Intra-Aortic
Balloon Pump Therapy for you in order to
help your heart work better.
What it is. What to expect.
Notes:
9
4
• The most common site used for
balloon insertion is the femoral artery
in the groin. This will be shaved,
cleaned with a special antiseptic
solution, and then covered with
sterile drapes. Your body and legs
will be covered as well.
• You will then be given some local
anesthetic to numb the insertion site.
This may sting a bit. You may also feel
some pressure or discomfort while the
catheter is being advanced. The intraaortic balloon remains inside you
• throughout
your balloon
pump therapy.
Once the
balloon
catheter is in
HEART
place, you will
not be able to
feel it inside
your body.
AORTA
• The catheter is
secured in
place, often
KIDNEY
MAJOR
with stitches,
VEIN
at the groin
and covered
with a
FEMORAL
ARTERY
bandage.
• It is important
that you try to
INSERTION SITE
remain calm, lie
flat and keep
your leg straight.
• Medication may be prescribed by
your physician to help you to
remain calm.
• The catheter tubing is then connected
to the external machine or balloon
pump, and the pump is turned on.
5
During Pumping
• The balloon pump shuttles helium in
and out of the balloon causing it to
inflate and deflate. It is precisely timed
with your heart rate. The pump does
make a “pumping” sound. When your
condition improves, the rate at which
the pump cycles will decrease. You
should not be alarmed when you hear
a decreased amount of pumping. This
just means that you are getting better.
• You will be continually monitored by
the nursing staff. The balloon pump
will be operated and continually
monitored by nurses or specially
trained technicians.
• It is important for you to report to a
nurse or physician any changes in
your condition, such as chest pain or
heaviness in your chest, difficulty
breathing, numbness, tingling, or
pain in your extremities.
• You will be on bedrest and will be
asked to lie flat or with your head
slightly elevated with the ballooned
leg straight so that the balloon may
function properly. Moving can cause
the catheter to kink or move out of
place. This could cause the pump not
to work properly or cause damage to
the vessel. Call your nurse when you
want to change your position so
he/she may help you.
• The nurse will be checking your leg
frequently. This includes routine
pulse checks, but it is important that
you tell her/him right away if you
have:(1) numbness (2) tingling or pain
in your leg, chest or arms (3) if you
feel dizzy, or (4) if you have a wet
sticky feeling at the insertion site.
8
Special instructions:
1
What is Intra Aortic Balloon
Pump Therapy?
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Therapy is
a medical procedure for the heart using
a catheter (tube) with a balloon on the
end. The intra-aortic balloon is a device
that helps the heart rest so it does not
have to work as hard. It is most
commonly used to support the heart
when cardiac drugs alone have not
improved your condition.
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Therapy is
used to prevent or stop a heart attack
or abnormal rhythms of the heart. It
can also be used to help supply more
blood to the heart muscle during heart
procedures or during or after coronary
artery bypass surgery.
How does your heart
pump blood?
Your heart is a muscle and its job is to
pump blood and oxygen to your entire
body. A continuous supply of blood and
oxygen are needed for
all organs and tissues
in order for them to
function properly.
Blood carries oxygen
to the tissues. Once
the tissues have taken
the oxygen they need,
the blood is returned
to the heart. Blood
circulates from the
heart (pump) to the
CORONARY ARTERIES
tissues and organs and
then back to the heart. Balloon
catheter
Blood leaving the
positioned
heart is oxygen-rich
in aorta
and travels through
the body’s plumbing,
called arteries.
AORTA
The intra-aortic balloon is not the same
thing as an angioplasty balloon. It also
does not pump the heart. The heart is
beating on its own. It just helps the heart
by decreasing the work of the heart.
What it is not.
This booklet is provided to you as a
reference. Your doctor and nurse are still
your best sources of information. Any
questions that you have should be directed
to them.
The information contained within this booklet
will help you understand Intra-Aortic Balloon
Pump (IABP) Therapy and how the balloon
catheter will be used in your treatment.
Your doctor has prescribed Intra-Aortic
Balloon Pump Therapy for you in order to
help your heart work better.
What it is. What to expect.
Notes:
9
4
• The most common site used for
balloon insertion is the femoral artery
in the groin. This will be shaved,
cleaned with a special antiseptic
solution, and then covered with
sterile drapes. Your body and legs
will be covered as well.
• You will then be given some local
anesthetic to numb the insertion site.
This may sting a bit. You may also feel
some pressure or discomfort while the
catheter is being advanced. The intraaortic balloon remains inside you
• throughout
your balloon
pump therapy.
Once the
balloon
catheter is in
HEART
place, you will
not be able to
feel it inside
your body.
AORTA
• The catheter is
secured in
place, often
KIDNEY
MAJOR
with stitches,
VEIN
at the groin
and covered
with a
FEMORAL
ARTERY
bandage.
• It is important
that you try to
INSERTION SITE
remain calm, lie
flat and keep
your leg straight.
• Medication may be prescribed by
your physician to help you to
remain calm.
• The catheter tubing is then connected
to the external machine or balloon
pump, and the pump is turned on.
5
During Pumping
• The balloon pump shuttles helium in
and out of the balloon causing it to
inflate and deflate. It is precisely timed
with your heart rate. The pump does
make a “pumping” sound. When your
condition improves, the rate at which
the pump cycles will decrease. You
should not be alarmed when you hear
a decreased amount of pumping. This
just means that you are getting better.
• You will be continually monitored by
the nursing staff. The balloon pump
will be operated and continually
monitored by nurses or specially
trained technicians.
• It is important for you to report to a
nurse or physician any changes in
your condition, such as chest pain or
heaviness in your chest, difficulty
breathing, numbness, tingling, or
pain in your extremities.
• You will be on bedrest and will be
asked to lie flat or with your head
slightly elevated with the ballooned
leg straight so that the balloon may
function properly. Moving can cause
the catheter to kink or move out of
place. This could cause the pump not
to work properly or cause damage to
the vessel. Call your nurse when you
want to change your position so
he/she may help you.
• The nurse will be checking your leg
frequently. This includes routine
pulse checks, but it is important that
you tell her/him right away if you
have:(1) numbness (2) tingling or pain
in your leg, chest or arms (3) if you
feel dizzy, or (4) if you have a wet
sticky feeling at the insertion site.
8
Special instructions:
1
What is Intra Aortic Balloon
Pump Therapy?
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Therapy is
a medical procedure for the heart using
a catheter (tube) with a balloon on the
end. The intra-aortic balloon is a device
that helps the heart rest so it does not
have to work as hard. It is most
commonly used to support the heart
when cardiac drugs alone have not
improved your condition.
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Therapy is
used to prevent or stop a heart attack
or abnormal rhythms of the heart. It
can also be used to help supply more
blood to the heart muscle during heart
procedures or during or after coronary
artery bypass surgery.
How does your heart
pump blood?
Your heart is a muscle and its job is to
pump blood and oxygen to your entire
body. A continuous supply of blood and
oxygen are needed for
all organs and tissues
in order for them to
function properly.
Blood carries oxygen
to the tissues. Once
the tissues have taken
the oxygen they need,
the blood is returned
to the heart. Blood
circulates from the
heart (pump) to the
CORONARY ARTERIES
tissues and organs and
then back to the heart. Balloon
catheter
Blood leaving the
positioned
heart is oxygen-rich
in aorta
and travels through
the body’s plumbing,
called arteries.
AORTA
IAB-BK 12/00 5M
Part No. IAE-00100
Printed in Czech Republic
© 2000 Arrow International, Inc.
Intra-Aortic
When You Need
There must be a balance between how
much oxygen supply the heart receives
and how many factors place oxygen
demand on the heart (workload). When
the heart has too many oxygen demands
and not enough supply, symptoms such
as chest pain and fatigue may occur.
This can result in a “heart attack”
and/or the heart not being able to work
hard enough to pump blood and oxygen
to the entire body. Intra-Aortic Balloon
Pump Therapy may be initiated to
maintain the balance between oxygen
supply and demand
on the heart.
INFLATED
DEFLATED
Intra-Aortic
Balloon Pump
Therapy consists
of a balloon
catheter (tube)
which is inserted
into an artery
(femoral) in your
groin and pushed
up into the aorta,
2400 Bernville Road
Balloon Pump
How does Intra-Aortic Balloon
Pump Therapy work?
Reading, PA 19605
Therapy
After the tissues take oxygen from the
blood, it is returned to the heart
through the body’s plumbing, called
veins. The heart, itself an organ, has
arteries and veins and also receive its
blood from heart pumping.
The major artery (pipe) leaving the
heart is the aorta (see figure). The aorta
is the place the balloon of the intraaortic balloon catheter resides.
There are two phases to the heart’s
pumping action. A work phase, known
as systole and a rest phase, known as
diastole. During diastole, blood is
returning to the heart. During systole,
blood is exiting the heart as it pumps.
610-378-0131
patient information
2
7
• You will remain on bedrest for at least
the next eight hours to prevent bleeding.
Hospital policy varies on the amount of
time you will remain on bedrest.
Suppose I still have questions?
It’s normal to be apprehensive about a
medical procedure, especially one that’s
unfamiliar. This is a stressful time for
patients, family and friends. Don’t be
afraid to ask questions.
It is important to talk to your nurse or
doctor about any further questions or
concerns you may have.
Information given in this brochure in
no way supersedes established
medical and hospital procedures
concerning patient care. In each
case, the hospital must determine
whether the application of the
information provided is appropriate
to his/her particular setting.
Additional questions you may
wish to ask your doctor or nurse:
6
• If your condition allows, you may be
asked to cough and deep-breathe to
keep your lungs clear. You may also
be asked to do simple range-of-motion
exercises with the help of a clinician
to minimize the effects of bedrest and
immobility.
• You will be kept as comfortable as
possible and will be “log rolled” for
repositioning.
• In addition to the balloon pump, you
may be on heart medications given
through other catheters and attached
to another machine, called a monitor.
Therefore, your room may appear
crowded and continuous beeping of
equipment may be heard.
• The length of time a person remains
on balloon pump therapy varies
depending on his or her condition.
Removal of Balloon
• When your condition improves and
you are on minimal heart drug
support, the rate at which the pump
cycles will be decreased. This means
that the balloon does not inflate and
deflate as often. For example, instead
of every heart beat, the balloon may
inflate and deflate with every other
heart beat.
• You will hear a decrease in pumping.
This means you are getting better,
NOT that your heart is stopping.
• Once you are stable, the balloon will
be pulled from the groin. Continuous
pressure will be applied by a clinician
to the groin site for about a half hour.
A bandage will be applied and
perhaps a sandbag over the site for
additional pressure.
3
and a machine called a balloon pump,
which inflates (blows the balloon up)
and deflates (lets the balloon down)
the balloon.
The balloon pump is a machine that
shuttles a light-weight gas (helium) in and
out of the balloon. The pump is set to
inflate and deflate with your heartbeat.
Balloon pump therapy assists your
heart during both the work phase
(systole) and the rest phase (diastole) of
the cardiac cycle. The balloon inflates
during your heart’s rest phase when the
heart’s vessels, known as coronary
arteries are filling with blood. Balloon
inflation helps to push more blood and
oxygen into the coronary arteries which
helps increase the oxygen supply to the
heart. The balloon deflates during the
work phase (systole) so your heart does
not have to work as hard to pump blood
out, thus decreasing its workload and
oxygen demands.
What should you expect during
your procedure?
There are three stages of IABP therapy:
balloon insertion, pumping the balloon,
and balloon removal. Here’s what
occurs during each phase.
Balloon Insertion
• The balloon catheter is inserted by a
physician with the possible assistance
of other trained personnel (nurses or
specially trained technicians).
• The catheter may be inserted in your
room, the operating room, or you
may be brought to a special
catheterization lab.
• You will be lying flat for the insertion
and may be given medication to help
you relax. Oxygen may be given if you
have any difficulties with breathing.
IAB-BK 12/00 5M
Part No. IAE-00100
Printed in Czech Republic
© 2000 Arrow International, Inc.
Intra-Aortic
When You Need
There must be a balance between how
much oxygen supply the heart receives
and how many factors place oxygen
demand on the heart (workload). When
the heart has too many oxygen demands
and not enough supply, symptoms such
as chest pain and fatigue may occur.
This can result in a “heart attack”
and/or the heart not being able to work
hard enough to pump blood and oxygen
to the entire body. Intra-Aortic Balloon
Pump Therapy may be initiated to
maintain the balance between oxygen
supply and demand
on the heart.
INFLATED
DEFLATED
Intra-Aortic
Balloon Pump
Therapy consists
of a balloon
catheter (tube)
which is inserted
into an artery
(femoral) in your
groin and pushed
up into the aorta,
2400 Bernville Road
Balloon Pump
How does Intra-Aortic Balloon
Pump Therapy work?
Reading, PA 19605
Therapy
After the tissues take oxygen from the
blood, it is returned to the heart
through the body’s plumbing, called
veins. The heart, itself an organ, has
arteries and veins and also receive its
blood from heart pumping.
The major artery (pipe) leaving the
heart is the aorta (see figure). The aorta
is the place the balloon of the intraaortic balloon catheter resides.
There are two phases to the heart’s
pumping action. A work phase, known
as systole and a rest phase, known as
diastole. During diastole, blood is
returning to the heart. During systole,
blood is exiting the heart as it pumps.
610-378-0131
patient information
2
7
• You will remain on bedrest for at least
the next eight hours to prevent bleeding.
Hospital policy varies on the amount of
time you will remain on bedrest.
Suppose I still have questions?
It’s normal to be apprehensive about a
medical procedure, especially one that’s
unfamiliar. This is a stressful time for
patients, family and friends. Don’t be
afraid to ask questions.
It is important to talk to your nurse or
doctor about any further questions or
concerns you may have.
Information given in this brochure in
no way supersedes established
medical and hospital procedures
concerning patient care. In each
case, the hospital must determine
whether the application of the
information provided is appropriate
to his/her particular setting.
Additional questions you may
wish to ask your doctor or nurse:
6
• If your condition allows, you may be
asked to cough and deep-breathe to
keep your lungs clear. You may also
be asked to do simple range-of-motion
exercises with the help of a clinician
to minimize the effects of bedrest and
immobility.
• You will be kept as comfortable as
possible and will be “log rolled” for
repositioning.
• In addition to the balloon pump, you
may be on heart medications given
through other catheters and attached
to another machine, called a monitor.
Therefore, your room may appear
crowded and continuous beeping of
equipment may be heard.
• The length of time a person remains
on balloon pump therapy varies
depending on his or her condition.
Removal of Balloon
• When your condition improves and
you are on minimal heart drug
support, the rate at which the pump
cycles will be decreased. This means
that the balloon does not inflate and
deflate as often. For example, instead
of every heart beat, the balloon may
inflate and deflate with every other
heart beat.
• You will hear a decrease in pumping.
This means you are getting better,
NOT that your heart is stopping.
• Once you are stable, the balloon will
be pulled from the groin. Continuous
pressure will be applied by a clinician
to the groin site for about a half hour.
A bandage will be applied and
perhaps a sandbag over the site for
additional pressure.
3
and a machine called a balloon pump,
which inflates (blows the balloon up)
and deflates (lets the balloon down)
the balloon.
The balloon pump is a machine that
shuttles a light-weight gas (helium) in and
out of the balloon. The pump is set to
inflate and deflate with your heartbeat.
Balloon pump therapy assists your
heart during both the work phase
(systole) and the rest phase (diastole) of
the cardiac cycle. The balloon inflates
during your heart’s rest phase when the
heart’s vessels, known as coronary
arteries are filling with blood. Balloon
inflation helps to push more blood and
oxygen into the coronary arteries which
helps increase the oxygen supply to the
heart. The balloon deflates during the
work phase (systole) so your heart does
not have to work as hard to pump blood
out, thus decreasing its workload and
oxygen demands.
What should you expect during
your procedure?
There are three stages of IABP therapy:
balloon insertion, pumping the balloon,
and balloon removal. Here’s what
occurs during each phase.
Balloon Insertion
• The balloon catheter is inserted by a
physician with the possible assistance
of other trained personnel (nurses or
specially trained technicians).
• The catheter may be inserted in your
room, the operating room, or you
may be brought to a special
catheterization lab.
• You will be lying flat for the insertion
and may be given medication to help
you relax. Oxygen may be given if you
have any difficulties with breathing.
The intra-aortic balloon is not the same
thing as an angioplasty balloon. It also
does not pump the heart. The heart is
beating on its own. It just helps the heart
by decreasing the work of the heart.
What it is not.
This booklet is provided to you as a
reference. Your doctor and nurse are still
your best sources of information. Any
questions that you have should be directed
to them.
The information contained within this booklet
will help you understand Intra-Aortic Balloon
Pump (IABP) Therapy and how the balloon
catheter will be used in your treatment.
Your doctor has prescribed Intra-Aortic
Balloon Pump Therapy for you in order to
help your heart work better.
What it is. What to expect.
Notes:
9
4
• The most common site used for
balloon insertion is the femoral artery
in the groin. This will be shaved,
cleaned with a special antiseptic
solution, and then covered with
sterile drapes. Your body and legs
will be covered as well.
• You will then be given some local
anesthetic to numb the insertion site.
This may sting a bit. You may also feel
some pressure or discomfort while the
catheter is being advanced. The intraaortic balloon remains inside you
• throughout
your balloon
pump therapy.
Once the
balloon
catheter is in
HEART
place, you will
not be able to
feel it inside
your body.
AORTA
• The catheter is
secured in
place, often
KIDNEY
MAJOR
with stitches,
VEIN
at the groin
and covered
with a
FEMORAL
ARTERY
bandage.
• It is important
that you try to
INSERTION SITE
remain calm, lie
flat and keep
your leg straight.
• Medication may be prescribed by
your physician to help you to
remain calm.
• The catheter tubing is then connected
to the external machine or balloon
pump, and the pump is turned on.
5
During Pumping
• The balloon pump shuttles helium in
and out of the balloon causing it to
inflate and deflate. It is precisely timed
with your heart rate. The pump does
make a “pumping” sound. When your
condition improves, the rate at which
the pump cycles will decrease. You
should not be alarmed when you hear
a decreased amount of pumping. This
just means that you are getting better.
• You will be continually monitored by
the nursing staff. The balloon pump
will be operated and continually
monitored by nurses or specially
trained technicians.
• It is important for you to report to a
nurse or physician any changes in
your condition, such as chest pain or
heaviness in your chest, difficulty
breathing, numbness, tingling, or
pain in your extremities.
• You will be on bedrest and will be
asked to lie flat or with your head
slightly elevated with the ballooned
leg straight so that the balloon may
function properly. Moving can cause
the catheter to kink or move out of
place. This could cause the pump not
to work properly or cause damage to
the vessel. Call your nurse when you
want to change your position so
he/she may help you.
• The nurse will be checking your leg
frequently. This includes routine
pulse checks, but it is important that
you tell her/him right away if you
have:(1) numbness (2) tingling or pain
in your leg, chest or arms (3) if you
feel dizzy, or (4) if you have a wet
sticky feeling at the insertion site.
8
Special instructions:
1
What is Intra Aortic Balloon
Pump Therapy?
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Therapy is
a medical procedure for the heart using
a catheter (tube) with a balloon on the
end. The intra-aortic balloon is a device
that helps the heart rest so it does not
have to work as hard. It is most
commonly used to support the heart
when cardiac drugs alone have not
improved your condition.
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Therapy is
used to prevent or stop a heart attack
or abnormal rhythms of the heart. It
can also be used to help supply more
blood to the heart muscle during heart
procedures or during or after coronary
artery bypass surgery.
How does your heart
pump blood?
Your heart is a muscle and its job is to
pump blood and oxygen to your entire
body. A continuous supply of blood and
oxygen are needed for
all organs and tissues
in order for them to
function properly.
Blood carries oxygen
to the tissues. Once
the tissues have taken
the oxygen they need,
the blood is returned
to the heart. Blood
circulates from the
heart (pump) to the
CORONARY ARTERIES
tissues and organs and
then back to the heart. Balloon
catheter
Blood leaving the
positioned
heart is oxygen-rich
in aorta
and travels through
the body’s plumbing,
called arteries.
AORTA
4
5
During Pumping
Notes:
• The most common site used for
balloon insertion is the femoral artery
in the groin. This will be shaved,
cleaned with a special antiseptic
solution, and then covered with
sterile drapes. Your body and legs
will be covered as well.
• You will then be given some local
anesthetic to numb the insertion site.
This may sting a bit. You may also feel
some pressure or discomfort while the
catheter is being advanced. The intraaortic balloon remains inside you
• throughout
your balloon
pump therapy.
Once the
balloon
catheter is in
HEART
place, you will
not be able to
feel it inside
your body.
AORTA
• The catheter is
secured in
place, often
KIDNEY
MAJOR
with stitches,
VEIN
at the groin
and covered
with a
FEMORAL
ARTERY
bandage.
• It is important
that you try to
INSERTION SITE
remain calm, lie
flat and keep
your leg straight.
• Medication may be prescribed by
your physician to help you to
remain calm.
• The catheter tubing is then connected
to the external machine or balloon
pump, and the pump is turned on.
The intra-aortic balloon is not the same
thing as an angioplasty balloon. It also
does not pump the heart. The heart is
beating on its own. It just helps the heart
by decreasing the work of the heart.
What it is not.
This booklet is provided to you as a
reference. Your doctor and nurse are still
your best sources of information. Any
questions that you have should be directed
to them.
The information contained within this booklet
will help you understand Intra-Aortic Balloon
Pump (IABP) Therapy and how the balloon
catheter will be used in your treatment.
Your doctor has prescribed Intra-Aortic
Balloon Pump Therapy for you in order to
help your heart work better.
What it is. What to expect.
9
8
1
What is Intra Aortic Balloon
Pump Therapy?
Special instructions:
• The balloon pump shuttles helium in
and out of the balloon causing it to
inflate and deflate. It is precisely timed
with your heart rate. The pump does
make a “pumping” sound. When your
condition improves, the rate at which
the pump cycles will decrease. You
should not be alarmed when you hear
a decreased amount of pumping. This
just means that you are getting better.
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Therapy is
a medical procedure for the heart using
a catheter (tube) with a balloon on the
end. The intra-aortic balloon is a device
that helps the heart rest so it does not
have to work as hard. It is most
commonly used to support the heart
when cardiac drugs alone have not
improved your condition.
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Therapy is
used to prevent or stop a heart attack
or abnormal rhythms of the heart. It
can also be used to help supply more
blood to the heart muscle during heart
procedures or during or after coronary
artery bypass surgery.
• You will be continually monitored by
the nursing staff. The balloon pump
will be operated and continually
monitored by nurses or specially
trained technicians.
• It is important for you to report to a
nurse or physician any changes in
your condition, such as chest pain or
heaviness in your chest, difficulty
breathing, numbness, tingling, or
pain in your extremities.
How does your heart
pump blood?
Your heart is a muscle and its job is to
pump blood and oxygen to your entire
body. A continuous supply of blood and
oxygen are needed for
all organs and tissues
in order for them to
function properly.
Blood carries oxygen
to the tissues. Once
the tissues have taken
the oxygen they need,
the blood is returned
to the heart. Blood
circulates from the
heart (pump) to the
CORONARY ARTERIES
tissues and organs and
then back to the heart. Balloon
catheter
Blood leaving the
positioned
heart is oxygen-rich
in aorta
and travels through
the body’s plumbing,
called arteries.
• You will be on bedrest and will be
asked to lie flat or with your head
slightly elevated with the ballooned
leg straight so that the balloon may
function properly. Moving can cause
the catheter to kink or move out of
place. This could cause the pump not
to work properly or cause damage to
the vessel. Call your nurse when you
want to change your position so
he/she may help you.
• The nurse will be checking your leg
frequently. This includes routine
pulse checks, but it is important that
you tell her/him right away if you
have:(1) numbness (2) tingling or pain
in your leg, chest or arms (3) if you
feel dizzy, or (4) if you have a wet
sticky feeling at the insertion site.
AORTA
IAB-BK 12/00 5M
Part No. IAE-00100
Printed in Czech Republic
© 2000 Arrow International, Inc.
patient information
610-378-0131
Reading, PA 19605
2400 Bernville Road
Therapy
Balloon Pump
Intra-Aortic
When You Need
2
7
After the tissues take oxygen from the
blood, it is returned to the heart
through the body’s plumbing, called
veins. The heart, itself an organ, has
arteries and veins and also receive its
blood from heart pumping.
The major artery (pipe) leaving the
heart is the aorta (see figure). The aorta
is the place the balloon of the intraaortic balloon catheter resides.
There are two phases to the heart’s
pumping action. A work phase, known
as systole and a rest phase, known as
diastole. During diastole, blood is
returning to the heart. During systole,
blood is exiting the heart as it pumps.
How does Intra-Aortic Balloon
Pump Therapy work?
There must be a balance between how
much oxygen supply the heart receives
and how many factors place oxygen
demand on the heart (workload). When
the heart has too many oxygen demands
and not enough supply, symptoms such
as chest pain and fatigue may occur.
This can result in a “heart attack”
and/or the heart not being able to work
hard enough to pump blood and oxygen
to the entire body. Intra-Aortic Balloon
Pump Therapy may be initiated to
maintain the balance between oxygen
supply and demand
on the heart.
INFLATED
DEFLATED
Intra-Aortic
Balloon Pump
Therapy consists
of a balloon
catheter (tube)
which is inserted
into an artery
(femoral) in your
groin and pushed
up into the aorta,
• You will remain on bedrest for at least
the next eight hours to prevent bleeding.
Hospital policy varies on the amount of
time you will remain on bedrest.
Suppose I still have questions?
It’s normal to be apprehensive about a
medical procedure, especially one that’s
unfamiliar. This is a stressful time for
patients, family and friends. Don’t be
afraid to ask questions.
It is important to talk to your nurse or
doctor about any further questions or
concerns you may have.
Information given in this brochure in
no way supersedes established
medical and hospital procedures
concerning patient care. In each
case, the hospital must determine
whether the application of the
information provided is appropriate
to his/her particular setting.
Additional questions you may
wish to ask your doctor or nurse:
6
• If your condition allows, you may be
asked to cough and deep-breathe to
keep your lungs clear. You may also
be asked to do simple range-of-motion
exercises with the help of a clinician
to minimize the effects of bedrest and
immobility.
• You will be kept as comfortable as
possible and will be “log rolled” for
repositioning.
• In addition to the balloon pump, you
may be on heart medications given
through other catheters and attached
to another machine, called a monitor.
Therefore, your room may appear
crowded and continuous beeping of
equipment may be heard.
• The length of time a person remains
on balloon pump therapy varies
depending on his or her condition.
Removal of Balloon
• When your condition improves and
you are on minimal heart drug
support, the rate at which the pump
cycles will be decreased. This means
that the balloon does not inflate and
deflate as often. For example, instead
of every heart beat, the balloon may
inflate and deflate with every other
heart beat.
• You will hear a decrease in pumping.
This means you are getting better,
NOT that your heart is stopping.
• Once you are stable, the balloon will
be pulled from the groin. Continuous
pressure will be applied by a clinician
to the groin site for about a half hour.
A bandage will be applied and
perhaps a sandbag over the site for
additional pressure.
3
and a machine called a balloon pump,
which inflates (blows the balloon up)
and deflates (lets the balloon down)
the balloon.
The balloon pump is a machine that
shuttles a light-weight gas (helium) in and
out of the balloon. The pump is set to
inflate and deflate with your heartbeat.
Balloon pump therapy assists your
heart during both the work phase
(systole) and the rest phase (diastole) of
the cardiac cycle. The balloon inflates
during your heart’s rest phase when the
heart’s vessels, known as coronary
arteries are filling with blood. Balloon
inflation helps to push more blood and
oxygen into the coronary arteries which
helps increase the oxygen supply to the
heart. The balloon deflates during the
work phase (systole) so your heart does
not have to work as hard to pump blood
out, thus decreasing its workload and
oxygen demands.
What should you expect during
your procedure?
There are three stages of IABP therapy:
balloon insertion, pumping the balloon,
and balloon removal. Here’s what
occurs during each phase.
Balloon Insertion
• The balloon catheter is inserted by a
physician with the possible assistance
of other trained personnel (nurses or
specially trained technicians).
• The catheter may be inserted in your
room, the operating room, or you
may be brought to a special
catheterization lab.
• You will be lying flat for the insertion
and may be given medication to help
you relax. Oxygen may be given if you
have any difficulties with breathing.