Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) Practice Test

What is an important aspect of accurate timing in IABP therapy?

1. It decreases afterload

2. It increases pulmonary congestion

3. It has no effect on coronary circulation

4. It increases oxygen demand of myocardium

The correct answer is: It decreases afterload

An important aspect of accurate timing in intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy is its ability to decrease afterload. The IABP works by inflating and deflating in sync with the cardiac cycle; proper timing ensures that the balloon inflates just before the heart's diastole and deflates just before systole. This timing helps to lower the systemic vascular resistance the heart must overcome during systole, effectively reducing afterload. As a result, the heart can eject blood more efficiently, which is particularly beneficial in patients with heart failure or those recovering from myocardial infarction. The significance of accurate timing is underscored by the fact that if the timing is off, it can lead to ineffective treatment, potentially exacerbating the cardiopulmonary workload and not providing the necessary support to the heart during the critical phases of the cardiac cycle.