Patient required the use of an intra-aortic balloon pump (iabp).An iabp sheath was placed in the left femoral artery, then an iabp balloon was inserted and positioned in the descending aorta and counterpulsation was initiated.The iabp had been functioning without problem until the following afternoon when blood was noted within the balloon tubing, indicating a rupture.The balloon pump had continued functioning without alarming but the balloon waveform was noted to inflate and drop off quickly.The iabp was turned off and an attempt was made to remove the balloon, but resistance to pull was noted.The patient required vascular surgical intervention to remove the ruptured balloon.
|