counterpulsation

Introduction

A technique that synchronizes mechanical pumping of blood with the heart cycle to assist circulation & decrease work of the heart. Counterpulsation pumps during diastole to increase blood flow & oxygen delivery to the heart via coronary arteries.

Counterpulsation applications include

• enhanced external counterpulsation
• intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation

More general terms

• vascular surgery

More specific terms

• enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP)
• intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation)