Use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation during emergent cesarean section in a pregnant patient with myocardial infarction.

The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a tool to help improve myocardial perfusion, reduce afterload, and decrease myocardial demand by reducing cardiac work. We describe a unique case of an IABP placement in a pregnant woman in her third trimester with a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. The IABP allowed safe delivery of the fetus by cesarean section prior to a successful percutaneous intervention for complex two-vessel coronary artery disease. This case report also describes the first-time use of an IABP during cesarean section.