Use of Intra-aortic Balloon Pump Before Surgery for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Overview

The optimal timing of surgery in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the utilization of preoperative intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) in these patients are subjects of ongoing discussion and disagreement. This study aimed to investigate the effects of preoperative IABP on troponin levels, surgical timing, and intraoperative and postoperative outcomes for patients with AMI who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the first treatment for myocardial ischemia; however, if left main coronary artery disease, multivessel disease, or complex architecture disable PCI, 10% of patients may need coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Abstinence from surgical reperfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may be justified due to surgery's 50% mortality rate. An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) can help patients who have ongoing ischemia and high cardiac enzymes because it changes the way the heart uses oxygen by increasing coronary blood flow and lowering afterload. Some guidelines do not recommend the use of IABP in patients with AMI except for mechanical complications or shock. Nevertheless, it is commonly acknowledged that the specific criteria for employing IABP differ among clinics and are determined by clinical expertise. Patients with AMI who have impaired coronary perfusion and require surgical revascularization can benefit from preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support. This intervention leads to reorganization of coronary perfusion, resulting in a decrease in elevated troponin levels and quicker myocardial recovery.