Increase in coronary blood flow by intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in a porcine model of myocardial reperfusion.

Background: Studies of the IABP have reported variable effects on coronary blood flow (CBF). The purpose of the present study was to measure the changes in coronary blood flow induced by intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation in normal and reperfused porcine myocardium.

Methods: A 30-ml IABP was placed in the descending aorta of 6 open-chest pigs.