Primary intra-aortic balloon support versus inotropes for decompensated heart failure and low output: a randomised trial

The haemodynamic effects of primary implantation of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) versus inotropes in decompensated heart failure and low output (DHF-LO), but without an acute coronary syndrome, have not been investigated. We therefore aimed to investigate the effect of primary IABP implantation as compared to inotropes on haemodynamics in DHF-LO with no acute ischaemia.Patients (n=32) with DHF-LO despite IV diuretics were randomised to...