Balloon pumps are mechanical devices used in intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy when a patient's heart is not able to pump enough blood for the body. A thin balloon catheter is maneuvered into the aorta after being introduced through an artery in the leg. One end of the catheter is attached to a computer console equipped with a mechanism for inflating and deflating the balloon in coordination with the patient's heartbeat. To maximize efficiency, modern balloon pumps are equipped with intuitive color displays and built-in ECG monitoring. Cardiologists and other healthcare professionals use reliable and highly efficient models as short-term treatment until a patient's heart condition improves or until a more permanent treatment is available.
