title: Iatrogenic vascular trauma associated with intra-aortic balloon pumping: identification of risk factors.
abstract: The most important noncardiac consequence of use of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is associated iatrogenic vascular trauma. A retrospective analysis was undertaken of all patients at our institution (n = 90, mean age 60 years) who had insertion of an IABP over a 10-year period to assess the possibility of preoperative identification of patients at high risk of IABP associated vascular injury. Catheters were introduced via the common femoral artery (n = 84; 30 percutaneous, 4 open Seldinger technique, 50 via a dacron sleeve), external iliac artery (n = 2), and ascending aorta (n = 4). Thirty patients (33.3%) developed one or more complications, with 25 vascular complications, six major septic complications, and four deaths. Variables identified as significant risk factors for IABP complications were female gender (P < 0.01) and concomitant peripheral vascular disease (P < 0.05). Site of insertion, method or difficulty of insertion, age, duration of counterpulsation, and use of anticoagulation and antibiotics did not significantly affect the incidence of vascular complications (P > 0.05). In conclusion, prior to cardiac surgery, we recommend screening for peripheral vascular disease to identify patients at increased risk of complications should IABP counterpulsation be required. Ankle/brachial systolic pressure indices may be used to detect subclinical disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Alle
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: May
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Baird
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001011:Aorta / Q000293:injuries*; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000293:injuries*; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000293:injuries*; D015994:Incidence; D007423:Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors