ABSTRACT
History The concept of diastolic augmentation and systolic unloading was first developed in
the 1950s using devices that could remove blood from circulation during systole and replace it during diastole. While physiologic benefits could be demonstrated, severe hemolysis precluded clinical adoption. The use of an intra-aortic balloon was first introduced experimentally in the 1960s. Kantrowitz reported the first successful use of a polyurethane intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in humans.
