This is a magnification of the CXR demonstrating the IAB against the background of the heart.
The contrast & briteness were significantly altered to easily identify the inflated balloon.
above : the radio-opaque marker is identified by the 2 red arrows against the background of the heart.
above : the inflated balloon is outlines by the arrows.
The heart should have an ample supply of blood for proper functioning.
Normally, the heart receives its blood supply opposite to the body’s supply.
This interesting paradox occurs because during systole, the body cannot squeeze
blood into itself via the coronary arteries.
Systole : the heart squeezes, thereby allowing :
supply of 80% of all organ systems requisite blood supply.
supply of 20% of the heart’s requisite blood supply.
Diastole : the heart relaxes, thereby allowing :
supply of 80% of the heart’s requisite blood supply.
supply of 20% of all organ systems requisite blood supply.
The day that the cardiac blood supply is compromised, is the beginning of cardiac demise.
If the insult (AMI – acute myocardial infarction) is addressed early, an IABP may allow
for recovery of the insulted myocardium.
Red = rich blood supply to the myocardium.
Pink = weak blood supply to the myocardium.
Green = blockage in the coronary arteries compromising the myocardial blood supply.
Once the IABP is inserted and situated in the proper position, during systole, the heart is provided
with some of its requisite (20%) blood supply.
Upon balloon inflation, the blood is sent cephalad (towards the head) and because the Aortic valve is closed, the blood
is forcibly driven deep into the myocardium via the coronary arteries.
The augmented coronary blood pressure is much higher than it is normally.