Answer to case of the month #128. Spectral waveform owing to intra-aortic balloon pump counter pulsation.

The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is inserted percutaneously, usually through the femoral artery with placement in the descending aorta with its tip at the distal aortic arch (below the origin of the left subclavian artery). The balloon is connected to a drive console, consisting of a pressurized gas reservoir, a monitor for ECG and pressure wave recording, adjustments for inflation and deflation timing, triggering selection switches and battery backup power sources. The gases used for inflation are either helium or carbon dioxide. The advantage of helium is its lower density and therefore a better rapid diffusion coefficient. Carbon dioxide has increased solubility in blood and thereby reduces the potential consequences of gas embolization following a balloon rupture.