diastolic augmentation, an increase in arterial diastolic blood pressure produced by a counterpulsation device such as an intraaortic balloon pump. A balloon-tipped catheter positioned in the aorta inflates during ventricular diastole, forcing blood back toward the heart, augmenting diastolic pressure, and assisting coronary artery filling. Balloon deflation at the onset of ventricular systole creates suction in the aorta, thereby assisting ventricular ejection and reducing systolic pressure.
