Complications of ascending aortic intraaortic balloon pump cannulation

Choice of a route of cannulation for intraaortic balloon counterpulsation during cardiopulmonary bypass is related to accessibility. In those patients in whom it is impossible to pass the intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) into the common femoral artery, ascending aortic cannulation is a rapid and direct method of insertion. Eight patients are described in whom ascending aortic IABP cannulation was undertaken to enable weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass after cardiac surgical procedures. The following problems were encountered: graft infection, aberrant cannulation of the left subclavian artery, left coronary artery embolism, and inability to close the sternum due to mechanical tamponade. A technique is described for insertion of the IABP using a polytetrafluoroethylene (Impra) graft and closed-chest decannulation. Although considerable morbidity and mortality are associated with ascending aortic cannulation, it is simple, fast, and effective, and should be considered for all patients requiring postoperative IABP support in whom peripheral vascular disease makes access difficult.