Air medical journal
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Air medical journal · Jan 2009
Transfer of patients dependent on an intra-aortic balloon pump using critical care services.
The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a hemodynamic support device that provides circulatory enhancement to patients whose cardiac output is compromised. Special clinical skills are required for management of the patient with an IABP in place. Few studies have discussed the transport of the IABP-dependent patient. The current study was designed to describe the transport of IABP-dependent patients, with a focus on pretransport interventions, transport interventions, quality improvement, and complications. ⋯ IABP transports can be safely performed by a nurse/paramedic critical care transport team with perfusionist consultation. Few patients require significant intervention before transport. Attention must be paid to balloon inflation and deflation timing despite the existence of timing algorithms. Significant complications during transport were not seen. Future studies should explore the overall outcome of IABP-dependent patients and the role of transport mode on outcome.