INTRA-AORTIC BALLOON PUMP - A device which is threaded into the aorta that augments the strength of the hearts contraction. The counter pulsation, produced by the inflation of a balloon within the aorta, provides an rhythmic increase in aortic pressures. The net effect is an increase in coronary artery blood flow. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a temporary lifesaving measure that is used to treat severe cardiac damage due to a massive heart attack.