Rocha Ferreira GS, et al. - Researchers performed a single-center randomized controlled trial and a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the efficacy of perioperative intra-aortic balloon pump use in high-risk patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery. They examined patients who were randomized to receive preskin incision intra-aortic balloon pump insertion after anesthesia induction vs no intra-aortic balloon pump use. With regard to the occurrence of a composite outcome of 30-day mortality and major complications, no attenuation was observed with the perioperative use of an intra-aortic balloon pump vs usual care alone.