title: Impaction of intra-aortic balloon due to dislocation of central stylet.
abstract: A case of intra-aortic balloon rupture and impaction necessitating thoracotomy and removal through the thoracic aorta is described. Impaction was due to central stylet dislocation, producing a fish-hook effect, and was easily diagnosed from plain abdominal radiographs. A possible mechanism for stylet dislocation is suggested.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001243:Assisted Circulation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007423:Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male