A Novel Technique for Intra-aortic Balloon Positioning in the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Proper positioning of the intra-aortic balloon catheter is very important as an improperly placed balloon can cause problems. A balloon placed too high can block off the arch vessels, whereas one placed too low can block the renal and splanchnic vessels. We propose a simple and reliable technique to properly position the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) catheter without the use of any sophisticated or expensive equipment in the intensive care unit if the catheter has migrated from the previously placed desired position. In this technique, we rely on the left radial arterial trace obliteration as the IABP catheter is pushed in along a guidewire as a marker for tip positioning.