How To Effectively Treat Myocarditis

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump

An intra-aortic balloon pump is a lengthy skinny balloon that helps manage the flow of blood through the aorta. The balloon inflates when the heart relaxes to retain more blood in the heart, and the balloon deflates when the heart contracts so blood can flow out of the heart and throughout the rest of the body. An intra-aortic balloon pump is a short-term solution utilized when a patient is staying in the hospital. It may be used after an open heart surgical procedure, or it can be used to treat cardiogenic shock. Myocarditis often causes significant weakening of the heart that results in cardiogenic shock. An intra-aortic balloon pump is installed with a minimally invasive procedure where a small incision is made in the groin. A catheter is used to thread the balloon from the incision in the groin to the proper place inside of the aorta. It is then attached to a machine located outside of the body. The machine attached to the balloon controls the size of the balloon by telling it when to inflate and when to deflate. The balloon size can be changed by either increasing or decreasing the quantity of helium inside of it.

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