Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump and Ischemic Cardiogenic Shock May Still Be a Valuable Association

The IABP gives rise to greater myocardial perfusion by increasing the coronary pressure gradient from the aorta to the coronary circulation at a time when the aortic valve is closed [...].


Physiology of the Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP)
The IABP gives rise to greater myocardial perfusion by increasing the coronary pressure gradient from the aorta to the coronary circulation at a time when the aortic valve is closed [1]. Active deflation before the onset of systole creates a dead space in the thoracic aorta, which reduces afterload and promotes forward flow from the left ventricle. This stimulates a reduction in LV end-diastolic pressure, volume, wall tension, and work along with preservation or an increase in stroke volume and cardiac output [1]. The amplitude of the hemodynamic effect is dependent on the balloon size in proportion to the aorta and the ventricular arterial coupling. Indeed, an increase in aortic compliance and a decrease in systemic arterial tone will result in diminution of the IABP effect. Therefore, the predominant benefit of IABP on high-risk patients with severe coronary stenosis may relate to a reduction in oxygen demand through LV systolic unloading over and above that stimulated by diastolic augmentation of the coronary blood flow. Moreover, by decreasing LV end-diastolic pressure following an unloading of the LV, IABP decreases the LV wall tension and LV transmural pressure [1] (Figure 1).

Evidence-Based Medicine Concerning IABP
Few studies are available concerning the use of IABP compared to standard of care (noradrenalin, dobutamine, and intensive care unit management) or Impella mechanical support device [2][3][4] (Table 1).

Our Point of View
As the physiopathology effect of IABP is well known, it has a crucial role to play in cardiogenic shock related to ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), especially as most of the patients might be old with several comorbidities [5]. Indeed, patients undergoing a low cardiac output syndrome following STEMI require both an increase in systemic perfusion of all organs and a LV unloading. For instance, if an Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) insertion to treat a post-STEMI low cardiac output syndrome improves extra-cardiac organ perfusion, the associated increase in systemic afterload may be harmful to an ischemic heart as it decreases coronary and myocardial perfusion in a STEMI setting. In this regard, upstream insertion of an IABP from the start of ischemic cardiogenic shock seems to us a valuable option. This therapeutic method is crucial because a technique like ECMO, which is used to assist in increasing blood pressure and organ perfusion, must not impede coronary perfusion by an increase in systemic afterload, LV wall tension, and LV transmural pressure. IABP is also an inexpensive device that is easy to insert. In addition, there are different options of vascular access, such as femoral, brachial, axillary, and subclavian arteries. However, to the best of our knowledge and expert opinions, upstream insertion of an Impella in association with ECMO to unload the supported LV support in ischemic cardiogenic might also be a good option but more expensive (Figure 1) [6].

Conclusions
From our point of view, to the best of knowledge and with the lack of a pure randomized control trial comparing IABP and standard of care in ischemic cardiogenic shock, IABP in ischemic cardiogenic shock still has a role to play by itself or in association with ECMO.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, F.R., R.G. and K.B.; writing-original draft preparation, F.R., R.G. and K.B.; writing-review and editing, F.R., R.G. and K.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.