Investigating the suitability of the intra-aortic balloon pump for patients in cardiogenic shock

Abstract

Cardiogenic shock is the leading cause of death among patients admitted alive to hospital with acute myocardial infarction. There is a lack of agreement as to the best therapy for patients who develop cardiogenic shock after receiving reperfusion therapy. Patients in cardiogenic shock who receive early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafts (CABGs) have improved mortality rates at 6 and 12 months than those who receive medical therapy alone. On-site PCI and CABG is not available at all hospitals. This article examines the evidence to support the use of an intra aortic balloon pump to provide haemodynamic support to enable the transfer of a patient who is in cardiogenic shock to a site where revascularization can be attempted.