A New Numerical Model of the Intra-aortic Balloon Pump as a Tool for Clinical Simulation and Outcome Prediction

Counterpulsation is the form of circulatory support provided by the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), a device widely used in the clinical setting to assist the left ventricle by mechanical control of blood volume displacement within the aorta. The principles underlying the IABP function are well established but the interactions with the cardiovascular system make its performance rather complicated and still not completely understood. Here we propose a novel IABP numerical model as a tool with potential for clinical application in terms of simulation and outcome prediction in critical patients. The analysis of IABP assistance is presented in terms of the effects on stroke volume, mean aortic diastolic pressure, aortic end-systolic pressure, aortic end-diastolic pressure, endocardial viability ratio and pressure-volume loop shift. Balloon inflation/deflation rate and timing are also considered. The new model was implemented in CARDIOSIM© software simulator of the cardiovascular system.