IABP inflation can be cycled according to ECG or aortic pressure. Inflation should occur just following the dicrotic notch and deflation before the upstroke in the aortic pressure curve. Correct timing is confirmed by inspection of the arterial waveform. Early and mean diastolic pressures should increase. End-diastolic pressure (the lowest pressure in the cardiac cycle) should fall. Peak systolic pressure should also fall due to decreased LVESV and LVESP.

References

• Webb CA, Weyker PD, Flynn BC. Management of intra-aortic balloon pumps. Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2015;19:106-121.