ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of intra-aortic balloon membrane response under increasing intracatheter pressure by indexing these data to associated barometric pressures that occur with changes in altitude.DesignA static compliance test was performed to assess the effect of internal pressure on intra-aortic balloon compliance (simulating helium gas within the intra-aortic balloon affected by barometric pressure). Testing consisted of incrementally increasing pressure within eight percutaneous intra-aortic balloons from four leading manufacturers.SettingThe University of Utah Department of Mechanical Engineering Laboratory.PatientsNo patients were involved. This study was a bench test lab study.InterventionsNo patient interventions were utilized.ResultsResults for all trials showed a curvilinear relationship between intracatheter pressure and balloon volume. Clinically significant balloon expansion data were obtained, with manufacturer variation observed at moderate-to-high pressures.ConclusionsBased on the results of this study, recommendations for operation of intra-aortic balloon pumps during altitude ascent and descent are proposed, from which individual institutional protocols may be developed.