title: Prevention of balloon damage during initiation of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation.
abstract: Damage to an intra-aortic balloon occurred on two occasions in 93 insertion procedures. The complication was recognized before gas embolization occurred, and neither patient suffered ill effects. On both occasions the balloon was holed when pinched by artery forceps applied to the 'dacron' graft.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged