Counterpulsation in which a pumping unit synchronized with the patient's electrocardiogram rapidly fills a balloon in the aorta with helium or carbon dioxide in early diastole and evacuates the balloon at the onset of systole. As the balloon inflates, it raises aortic diastolic pressure, and as it deflates, it lowers aortic systolic pressure. The result is a decrease in left ventricular work and increased myocardial and peripheral perfusion.

DUI

D007423 MeSH Browser

CUI

M0011587

Previous indexing

Assisted Circulation (1967-1976)

History note

86(77); was see under ASSISTED CIRCULATION 1977-85

Public note

86; was see under ASSISTED CIRCULATION 1977-85