Intraaortic balloon entrapment

Intra-aortic balloon pump entrapment and surgical removal: a case report

Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use following myocardial infarction is now infrequent and reserved for cases of cardiogenic shock. As their use declines, so does our ability to promptly recognize and manage potential problems that may arise. A serious but rare complication of IABP insertion is balloon entrapment within the arterial tree. In this report, we share our experience of a case of balloon entrapment within the right common iliac artery and successful removal of the device via groin cut down under general anaesthesia.

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Entrapment in a Nonatherosclerotic Common Iliac Artery

Use of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is helpful for maintaining hemodynamic stability in patients with low cardiac output and compromised left ventricular function undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Although the incidence of complications has decreased significantly as experience with the device has increased, IABP use still carries a risk of complications. The most common complication is limb ischemia, mainly as a result of IABP entrapment and thromboembolism. Here we report a case of IABP entrapment in a nonatherosclerotic common iliac artery where forced removal caused fracture of the catheter.

Vascular entrapment of a ruptured intra-aortic balloon: a case report of successful removal without surgery

Intra-aortic balloon pump entrapment is a rare complication that may necessitate major abdominal surgery that is potentially life threatening in the critically ill patients who require balloon counterpulsation. We report successful removal of a ruptured and entrapped intra-aortic balloon pump catheter after use of streptokinase solution to clear clots from the device. We suggest this procedure as a safer, nonsurgical method that may eliminate the need for abdominal surgery.

Management of intraaortic balloon entrapment

Two cases of intraaortic balloon entrapment were presented. In patient 1, urokinase was injected into the gas driver lumen of the intraaortic balloon catheter, then it could be removed. In patient 2, the intraaortic balloon was removed retrogradely through the left axillary artery. If the entrapped intraaortic balloon is encountered, it is effective to try a clot-lysis method initially, followed by a surgical approach through a left axillary artery.

Intraaortic balloon entrapment

A review of intraaortic balloon pump use at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center over the past 21 years identified 2 cases where a balloon was found to be entrapped. The balloon catheters had been in place for approximately 10 days when this complication occurred. The retained balloons were torn, filled with clotted blood, and impacted in the vasculature. In our first case, forceful removal of the intraaortic balloon was complicated by unintentional extraction of the external iliac and common femoral arteries. In the second case, clot within the balloon was dissolved with tissue plasminogen activator injected into the drive lumen of the catheter before removal. The prevention and management of this rare but serious complication of intraaortic balloon pumping is reviewed.

Intra-aortic balloon rupture causing femoral entrapment

Rupture of an intra-aortic balloon counterpulsator (IABCP) demands immediate removal. We report a case of thrombus formation within a Datascope IABCP secondary to IABCP rupture, necessitating surgical exploration for removal. There is a disturbing pattern of balloon ruptures with this type of IABCP.

Intraaortic balloon pump entrapment

Catheter entrapment is a rare complication of intraaortic balloon counterpulsation caused by the formation of hard blood clot within the balloon itself. We present two cases of intraaortic balloon pump entrapment seen at the University Hospital, Boston. This phenomenon usually presents as a limb threatening vascular emergency. The entrapped catheter becomes stuck fast within the iliac system during withdrawal of the device, occluding arterial flow at that level. The etiology of this phenomenon, and a proposed management scheme is discussed. Preoperative radiographic determination of the level of entrapment may be necessary. We feel it is necessary to control the abdominal aorta prior to removal of an entrapped intraaortic balloon.