Balón de contrapulsación como terapia de estabilización arritmogénica: a propósito de un caso

Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) remains a widely used device in selected cases, despite controversy about its impact on mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This case highlights its clinical relevance in addressing arrhythmic storm as a critical complication. A 78-year-old man with AMI complicated by arrhythmic storm, complete atrioventricular block and severe hemodynamic instability refractory to pharmacological management was treated with IABP, achieving hemodynamic stability, resolution of metabolic acidosis and control of arrhythmias. No major device-related complications were documented. This report highlights the role of IABP in the stabilization of critically ill patients, providing evidence of its usefulness as a therapeutic bridge in complex scenarios, and underlines the importance of its application in selected situations where other interventions are insufficient.