Complications of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Use: Does the Final Position of the IABP Tip Matter?

We report results of a retrospective review of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use in two Australasian centres and evaluate the effect of final IABP tip position on outcome. Indications for counterpulsation, patient demographics and in-hospital outcomes and complications were retrospectively collected. The chest X-ray reports provided the ‘final’ position of the IABP tip. The position was defined as acceptable (tip was seen just below the aortic arch, at T2–T5 vertebrae), malpositioned (tip >5 cm below aortic arch or at T5–T6) or severely malpositioned (tip >10 cm below aortic arch or at T7 or below). Major complications were considered a composite of death secondary to IABP, major limb ischaemia, major IABP malfunction, balloon rupture or haemorrhage, severe renal dysfunction (rise in creatinine >200 μmol/l), stroke and mesenteric ischaemia. Six hundred and forty-five cases were reviewed. The overall major complication rate was 26.2% and 24.3%. Severe renal impairment was the most common complication (16.6%), and second, severe catheter dysfunction (5.4%). Final IABP position was acceptable in 39.9%, malpositioned in 11.1%, severely malpositioned in 6.7% and unavailable for 42.4%. Logistic regression analysis showed IABP tip malposition (compared with satisfactory position odds ratio=3.9 [95% confidence interval=2.0–7.6, P <0.001] and severely malpositioned odds ratio=13.0 [95% confidence interval=5.3–31.7, P <0.001]) were associated with major complications more than the presence of shock (odds ratio=3.8, confidence interval 2.1–6.8 P <0.001). The acceptance of a less than ideal final position was highly predictive of morbidity directly related to IABP device therapy.

Needle stick injuries in country general practice

AIMS

The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of needle stick injury (NSI) in general practice, to determine what measures were being taken to protect against needle stick injury, and to gather other information regarding work practices, risk perception, and knowledge of transmission.

METHODS

A postal survey was undertaken of all general practitioners and one practice nurse per practice address in selected areas of New Zealand.

RESULTS

The response rate was 82%. An incidence rate of 22 needle stick injuries in 100 health care workers per 6 month period was found. For general practitioners alone the incidence rate was 25 in 100 per 6 month period and for practice nurses it was 17 in 100 per 6 month period. Recommended precautionary measures were not being followed by most individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

Needle stick injury is a substantial problem in general practice and exposes general practitioners and practice nurses to a serious risk of infection from bloodborne transmissible agents. All patients should be considered to pose a potentially high risk of infection and recommended precautionary measures should be followed at all times.