Is heparin needed for patients with an intra-aortic balloon pump?

We addressed the question of whether or not the currently available evidence base supports heparinization in the context of a patient requiring cardiovascular support with an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). A best evidence topic was written according to a previously defined structured protocol. A literature search returned 443 papers, 3 of which were deemed relevant. Jiang et al. randomized 153 patients requiring IABP to heparin or no heparin, matched for age, sex and comorbidities. There was no significant difference in limb ischaemia; however, incidence of bleeding was significantly increased in the heparinized group (14.1 vs 2.4%). One cohort study compared two management strategies of IABP in which patients either received heparin universally or selectively with heparin only given for certain pre-defined indications. They reported increased bleeding with universal heparinization (39.2 vs 31.8%) but similar other complication rates. Another cohort study in which patients with IABP were initially treated with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists only, reported bleeding and ischaemia rates within accepted ranges for heparinized patients. The use of anticoagulation with IABP is intended to reduce the risk of thrombus, thromboembolus or limb ischaemia whilst generating an increased risk of bleeding as a side-effect. The aforementioned studies demonstrate that omitting or implementing a selective use strategy of heparinization during IABP counterpulsation can significantly decrease the incidence of bleeding without an increase in ischaemic events. One study also performed angiography prior to IABP insertion on some of their patients, selecting the less diseased side to insert the IABP. Current evidence on this topic is sparse, especially as relates to patients in the context of cardiothoracic surgery. Just one study specifically looked at surgical patients. However, the existing data suggest that it is safe to omit heparinization when using IABP counterpulsation. The decision to heparinize should be weighed in the context of other indications or contraindications rather than being an automatic response to the use of IABP.