This document discusses extra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (EABP), a technique developed to assist the failing heart. It involves placing a balloon around the ascending aorta that inflates during diastole to augment coronary blood flow and deflates during systole to reduce left ventricular workload. The C-Pulse system is a device that uses this technique. It has been shown to improve hemodynamics and myocardial perfusion in animal studies. A clinical trial is currently evaluating the C-Pulse system in patients with Class III/IV heart failure. The technique offers an alternative to replace the heart function without major surgery but risks include device failure and aortic rupture.