IABP use is contradicted with which condition?

• A. Aortic aneurysm
• B. AI
• C. None of the above
• D. Cardiac standstill

Answer: (D)

Intra-aortic balloon pump timing relies on a detectable cardiac cycle to inflate during diastole and deflate just before systole, boosting coronary perfusion and decreasing afterload. If the heart is in standstill, there is no systolic or diastolic phase to synchronize with, so the balloon cannot be timed effectively and the pump cannot provide the intended hemodynamic benefit. This makes cardiac standstill a contraindication. Aneurysm isn’t an absolute contraindication, though it requires caution due to the risk of complications in the aorta. Aortic insufficiency would worsen regurgitation with diastolic balloon inflation, so it is a concern but not the reason here. None of the above is incorrect because there is a clear contraindication in cardiac standstill.