11. Mechanical Circulatory Support

Question 1

There are several types of mechanical circulatory support devices avail, but ___ is specifically on the test blueprint

Answer 1

Won’t be tested on the details of this therapy. However, you need to know that it is used in the management of LVHF, cardiogenic shock, and cardiomyopathies, and it is also used on pts who are awaiting a heart transplant.

Question 2

**Benefits of IABP therapy

Answer 2

The balloon does 2 things: it INFLATES and it DEFLATES.

Question 3

**Benefits of inflation

Answer 3

Balloon inflation – increases coronary artery perfusion

–>inflates at dicrotic notch of the arterial waveform, beginning of diastole

Question 4

**Benefits of deflation

Answer 4

Balloon deflation – decreases afterload

–>deflates right before systole begins; determined by a set TRIGGER for deflation, R-wave of ECG or upstroke of the arterial pressure wave