cardiology critical-care cardiac-surgery

IABP Timing Assessment

Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) timing assessment guide. Correct timing ensures optimal augmentation of diastolic pressure and afterload reduction. Identifies early/late inflation and deflation errors.

Score interpretation

Optimal IABP Timing

→ Optimal IABP timing: Correct inflation and deflation, adequate augmentation, and afterload reduction confirmed. Continue current settings; reassess timing hourly and with rate/rhythm changes; document waveform in notes.

Suboptimal — Adjust Timing

→ IABP timing suboptimal. Adjust inflation/deflation timing per identified error: Early inflation → delay to dicrotic notch; Late inflation → advance trigger; Early deflation → extend slightly; Late deflation → advance deflation point. Reassess waveform after each adjustment.

Poor IABP Timing — Urgent Correction

→ Poor IABP timing: Multiple errors identified. Risk of haemodynamic compromise. Immediate bedside assessment by trained IABP specialist; review trigger mode (ECG vs pressure); check balloon position on CXR (tip 2–3 cm below carina); contact perfusionist/cardiac ICU team.

Interpretation bands for the IABP Timing. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

Score interpretation

References

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