The Balloon pump-assisted Coronary Intervention Study (BCIS-1): Rationale and design

The findings of BCIS-1 are expected to define the role of balloon counterpulsation in high-risk PCI. Confirmation of the efficacy of elective IABP use may prompt review of the international guidelines, which are currently very restricted. In contrast, a neutral or adverse outcome with elective counterpulsation in these high-risk patients will allow evidence-based rationalization of the current disparity between guidelines and the frequent real-world use of elective IABP support.