Open Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery

Use of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is helpful for maintaining hemodynamic stability in patients with low cardiac output and compromised left ventricular function undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Although the incidence of complications has decreased significantly as experience with the device has increased, IABP use still carries a risk of complications. The most common complication is limb ischemia, mainly as a result of IABP entrapment and thromboembolism. Here we report a case of IABP entrapment in a nonatherosclerotic common iliac artery where forced removal caused fracture of the catheter.