Intra-aortic balloon pump entrapment without rupture: a case series

Abstract

Intra-aortic balloon pump is an invasive procedure used in critically unwell population and carries risks of possible complications. The most common complications include thrombocytopenia and fever, occurring approximately 50 and 36% of the time. Rare complications include vascular tears, limb ischemia, occurring approximately 1–2% of the time and balloon rupture and/or entrapment approximately 0.5% of the time. Current literature suggests the most common etiology of entrapment is due to balloon rupture and the formation of clot within the balloon causing difficulty in removal. Herein, we demonstrate a case series of intra-aortic balloon pump entrapment without balloon rupture.