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How is an intra-aortic balloon pump placed?
An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is typically placed through a blood vessel in the upper leg. The doctor will numb an area of the leg. Then the doctor will put the IABP through the femoral artery in the leg and into the aorta. The doctor then places the IABP at the center of the aorta, below the heart.
The person will lie flat in an intensive care unit bed and get medicine to help them relax. The doctor will use an X-ray machine to help place the IABP.
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