Management of lower limb ischaemia associated with the use of intra-aortic balloon pumps during cardiac surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To audit the lower limb vascular complications associated with the use of an intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) on a cardiothoracic unit over a 12 month period.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis.


METHODS
Regional university cardiothoracic unit.


METHODS
Fifty four IABPs inserted into 51 patients.


RESULTS
Seventeen patients (33%) died from cardiogenic shock in the immediate postoperative period. Of the remaining 34 patients (37 IABPs), lower limb vascular complications occurred in nine patients (26%) who underwent 11 IABP insertions (30%). Vascular complications included groin haematomas (n = 2 insertions), compartment syndrome (n = 2 insertions), femoral artery trauma (n = 7 insertions).


CONCLUSIONS
Prompt management by peripheral vascular surgeons resulted in limb salvage in 10 legs and only one death from a pulmonary embolus.
Jameson
J S
JS
Department of General Surgery, Glenfield Hospital NHS Trust, Leicester, U.K.
Sayers
R D
RD
Macpherson
D S
DS
Spyt
T J
TJ
D000208:Acute Disease; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D007423:Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D007511:Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D012189:Retrospective Studies