Nursing care of the intraaortic balloon catheter's inner lumen

An inner lumen exists within the intra-aortic balloon for the purpose of introducing a guidewire to facilitate balloon insertion. This inner cannula also can be used for continuous arterial pressure monitoring. However, special precautions are necessary when utilizing this port for arterial monitoring as compared to a conventional radial arterial line. The proximal tip of this arterial pressure monitoring source rests within the proximal aorta in close proximity to the trifurcated vessels coming off the aorta. The possibility of a clot dislodging and entering the trifurcated vessels. Because of the inner lumen's small size and location, special guidelines need to be followed for its care and maintenance. This paper reviews physiological specific to the intraaortic balloon's inner cannula and recommends practice guidelines regarding heparinized or nonheparinized flush solutions, flushing of the inner lumen, and troubleshooting a damped inner cannula arterial waveform.