Impaction of intra-aortic balloon due to dislocation of central stylet

A case of intra-aortic balloon rupture and impaction necessitating thoracotomy and removal through the thoracic aorta is described. Impaction was due to central stylet dislocation, producing a fish-hook effect, and was easily diagnosed from plain abdominal radiographs. A possible mechanism for stylet dislocation is suggested.