Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Rupture leading to Cerebral Air Embolism: A Case Report

Muhammad Usama Akhtar; Imtiaz Ahmed Chaudhry; Syed Muzaffar Hasan Kirmani

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v73iSUPPL-3.10687

Authors

Muhammad Usama Akhtar Department of Adult Cardiac Surgery, Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology/National Institute of Heart Diseases/ National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Imtiaz Ahmed Chaudhry Department of Adult Cardiac Surgery, Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology/National Institute of Heart Diseases/ National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Syed Muzaffar Hasan Kirmani Department of Adult Cardiac Surgery, Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology/National Institute of Heart Diseases/ National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v73iSUPPL-3.10687

Keywords:

Air embolism, Cerebral ischemia, Complication rate, Intra-aortic balloon rupture

Abstract

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) rupture is relatively rare but significant complication of IABP and can lead to serious
problems such as the cerebral ischemia and air embolism. The IABP insertion complication rate is reported as
approximately 30%, with 2.6% experiencing major complications. Notably, balloon rupture accounts for a portion of these
complications, with reported incidence ranging from <1-2%. Patients with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and
advanced age are at higher risk. It emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring of balloon function, particularly in
patients with pre-existing vascular disease. Healthcare providers should remain vigilant to monitor early signs of balloon
rupture owing to the chance of development of potentially severe neurological complications. This case emphasizes the
importance of early detection and management, including the precise choice of balloon size and length, and potentially
the use of ultrasound to evaluate for anatomical abnormalities that could contribute to IABP rupture.