IABP New User Course, 2/19/2025
Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy is a cardiac assist device for use in the heart catheterization lab, cardiovascular OR, and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It is typically used in critically ill patients who are experiencing cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction, or perioperative open heart surgery. Caring for a patient with an IABP is a specialized skill that nurses in the ICU require training and hands-on practice to provide adequate care. The IABP therapy class was created for new users to form the background knowledge and develop the necessary skills prior to caring for this patient population.
Target Audience
- Registered Nurse
- Cath Lab Techs
- EMT
- Paramedics
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
- Understand the theory of counterpulsation therapy.
- Demonstrate troubleshooting techniques on the IABP console.
- Demonstrate correct procedure to change a helium tank.
- Verbalize the nursing role in caring for the patient with an IABP.
Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy is a cardiac assist device for use in the heart catheterization lab, cardiovascular OR, and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It is typically used in critically ill patients who are experiencing cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction, or perioperative open heart surgery. Caring for a patient with an IABP is a specialized skill that nurses in the ICU require training and hands-on practice to provide adequate care. The IABP therapy class was created for new users to form the background knowledge and develop the necessary skills prior to caring for this patient population.
Jessica Lincoln, MSN, RN, CCRN
Jennifer Hammon, BSN, RN
In support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physician (CME)
The University of Pittsburgh designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nursing (CNE)
The maximum number of hours awarded for this Continuing Nursing Education activity is 1.0 contact hours.
Other health care professionals will receive a certificate of attendance confirming the number of contact hours commensurate with the extent of participation in this activity.
Available Credit
- 2.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
- 2.50 ANCCUPMC Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
- 2.50 Attendance