intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) /in′trə·ā·ôr″tik/ [L, intra + aeirein, to rise] , a counterpulsation device that provides temporary cardiac assist in the management of refractory left ventricular failure that may follow myocardial infarction or occur in preinfarction angina. The balloon is attached to a catheter inserted into the aorta and is automatically inflated during diastole and deflated during systole. Also called aortic balloon pump, intraaortic balloon counterpulsation. See also counterpulsation.
