A portable transport intraaortic balloon system allowed for successful insertion, prompt stabilization, and uninterrupted transportation in 100% of 11 patients treated at a community hospital.
Observational (n=11)
No
Does a portable transport intraaortic balloon (IAB) system allow for successful stabilization and transportation of patients with refractory ischemia or cardiogenic shock from a community hospital?
Portable intraaortic balloon counterpulsation systems enable successful stabilization and safe transport of critically ill patients from community hospitals to tertiary care centers.
Intraaortic balloon (IAB) counterpulsation is a proven treatment for patients with refractory ischemia or cardiogenic shock; however its use has been largely limited to tertiary centers due to the difficulties and risks encountered in transporting patients with this device in place. We report our initial experience with 11 patients who underwent IAB counterpulsation at a community hospital utilizing a portable transport IAB system. All 11 patients had successful IAB insertion, resulting in prompt stabilization. Immediate transportation during uninterrupted IAB counterpulsation was successfully accomplished in each case using routine ambulance vehicles, allowing for the prompt initiation of further tertiary care. The role of portable IAB counterpulsation in the community hospital and guidelines for the implementation of this portable IAB system are outlined.
Gottlieb et al. (Wed,) conducted a observational in Refractory ischemia or cardiogenic shock (n=11). Portable transport intraaortic balloon (IAB) system was evaluated on Successful IAB insertion and transportation. A portable transport intraaortic balloon system allowed for successful insertion, prompt stabilization, and uninterrupted transportation in 100% of 11 patients treated at a community hospital.