Preservation of ischemic myocardium with intraaortic balloon pumping: modern therapeutic intervention or primum non nocere?

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Abstract
Contradictory results of therapy utilizing the intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) to limit necrosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction are presented. Patients with smaller infarctions and tendencies toward shock after myocardial infarction are reported to be the group that benefits most. However, questionable results are obtained with other groups studied. Studies of patients who would benefit most and criteria for use of the IABP is requested.