Intraaortic Balloon Ineffective Heart Savior

(Ivanhoe Broadcast)—Cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction is a life-threatening condition caused by the inability of the heart to function properly. The myocardial infraction, more commonly known as a heart attack inhibits pumping mechanisms which deprive cells of necessary oxygen and nutrients. The intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IAMP) device is meant to overcome these deficiencies and increase cardiac output, but a study suggests that the mechanism did not improve outcomes for patients with planned revascularization.

Revascularization strategies attempt to restore critical blood supply. Study participants preparing to undergo this procedure were separated into two groups to determine the effectiveness of IAMP. The investigation included 600 patients where roughly half of the participants with cardiac shock complicating acute myocardial infarction were randomly selected to receive IAMP and half did not.

Overall mortality after 30 days was assessed as well as safety factors like bleeding, sepsis and stroke. Both the IAMP and control group had similar data sets for all measured variables. Unfortunately, the percentage of death in both groups was between 39 and 42 percent indicating no significant advantage of IAMP for cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction though it is considered to be a class 1 treatment option.

Source: The New England Journal of Medicine