Interpreting the data displayed on an IABP console monitor

The balloon pump console monitor displays tracings and numeric data related to the patient's heart and balloon pump catheter. Some of these values and how they are represented may already be familiar to you, while others, like the balloon pressure tracings, may be new and specific to these devices. You may already be familiar with some of these values and how they are represented, while others, like the balloon pressure tracings, may be new and are specific to these devices.

This video walks you through what parameters the tracings and numbers on the console correspond to. You’ll learn the difference between assisted and unassisted systole and diastole and be able to identify them on the pressure curves.

Remember, the goal of a balloon pump is to see a 10% reduction in systolic and end-diastolic pressures, a stable or increased MAP. As well, the highest augmented pressure should be the highest pressure on the console.

Can you identify where the assisted end-diastolic pressure would be represented in this tracing? 

Your patient returns from the cath lab with an intra-aortic balloon pump. Now what? 

Whether you are looking after patients with an IABP, Impella®, ECMO, or TandemHeart®, you'll learn about the types of acute mechanical circulatory support, their indications and contraindications, and the basics of managing these devices.