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Definition |
Vascular catheters designed to be inserted into the aorta to augment the heart's pumping capability. These flexible, balloon-tipped catheters are available in a variety of volumes; 30.0 to 50.0 cc balloons are common for adult patients, and 2.5 to 20.0 cc are common for pediatric use. These catheters are usually inserted percutaneously into one of the femoral arteries using the Seldinger technique and advanced to the descending thoracic aorta using fluoroscopic imaging guidance. After the balloon has been positioned, an external pump alternately inflates and deflates the balloon in a cycle counter to the cardiac cycle (counterpulsation), facilitating ejection during systole and limiting regurgitation during diastole. Intraaortic balloon catheters are used to provide temporary circulatory support to treat a number of cardiovascular conditions (e.g., as an aid following open-heart surgery, to treat unstable angina, to reduce myocardial problems). (Universal Medical Devices Nomenclature) |
