2003 Volume 24 Issue 3 Pages 253-256
A 75-year-old man with unstable angina pectoris underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. Femoral IABP insertion was accomplished preoperatively, because of low left ventricular function. On the seventh postoperative day the IABP balloon rupture was detected. An attempt was made to remove the balloon at the bedside, but balloon entrapment was occurred. Surgical treatment was required for removing the balloon. In order to reduce operative invasion, the abdominal aorta and iliac artery were exposed through a small flank incision with retroperitoneum approach. The device was easily removed through a common iliac artery incision.
Balloon rupture is a comparatively rare complication, but if occurs, the blood clot formation inside the balloon will result in balloon entrapment in the vessel frequently. Generally the case who needs the IABP as a mechanical assistance has a critical heart failure. Further the invasive laparotomy or large flank incision may worsen the hemodynamics status.
Accordingly the minimal invasive technique was very important to reduce a patient’s burden.
