Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump and Mechanical Circulatory Support Flashcards

Early IABP inflation (before the dicrotic notch) results in:

Answer: Increased afterload and aortic valve obstruction

Early inflation before aortic valve closure obstructs ventricular ejection, increasing afterload and potentially causing aortic valve damage.

The Impella device provides hemodynamic support by:

Answer: Actively pumping blood from the left ventricle into the aorta

The Impella is an axial flow pump that aspirates blood from the left ventricle and ejects it into the ascending aorta, directly unloading the LV.

For correct Impella CP positioning, the inlet area of the device should be located:

Answer: 3.5 cm below the aortic valve in the left ventricle

The inlet should be approximately 3.5 cm below the aortic valve in the LV to prevent suction events and ensure adequate support.

A common complication of IABP use is:

Answer: Limb ischemia at the insertion site

Limb ischemia distal to the insertion site is a common vascular complication due to occlusion of the femoral artery by the IABP catheter.

Which condition is a contraindication to Impella device use?

Answer: Mechanical aortic valve

A mechanical aortic valve is a contraindication because the Impella must cross the aortic valve, which would damage both the device and the prosthetic valve.

Late IABP deflation (deflation during systole) causes:

Answer: Increased afterload

Late deflation means the balloon is still partially inflated as systole begins, increasing resistance against which the ventricle must eject, thereby increasing afterload.

The TandemHeart device provides left heart support by:

Answer: Withdrawing oxygenated blood from the left atrium via a transseptal catheter and pumping it to the femoral artery

TandemHeart withdraws oxygenated blood from the left atrium via a transseptal catheter and pumps it to the femoral artery, bypassing the left ventricle.