How does counterpulsation with an IABP work?

• A. Inflates and deflates a balloon in the descending thoracic aorta in sync with the cardiac cycle to improve myocardial oxygen supply and decrease workload
• B. Pumps blood from the left ventricle directly
• C. Increases systemic vascular resistance during inflation
• D. Operates independently of the cardiac cycle

Answer: (A)