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counterpulsation in which a pumping unit synchronized with the patient\'s electrocardiogram rapidly fills a balloon in the aorta with helium or carbon dioxide in early diastole and evacuates the balloon at the onset of systole; as the balloon inflates, it raises aortic diastolic pressure, and as it deflates, it lowers aortic systolic pressure; the result is a decrease in left ventricular work and increased myocardial and peripheral perfusion.
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