[Femoral artery pseudoaneurysm by intraaortic balloon pumping].

Femoral artery pseudoaneurysm is one of multiple vascular complications with intra aortic balloon pumping (IABP). In a series of 815 cases, the incidence of pseudoaneurysm formation was 0.61 percent. Six patients with this complication who underwent successful surgical repair were reviewed. Three cases in our series were obviously due to the unsuitable technique of balloon removal. Especially a patient who underwent IABP insertion after exposure of the femoral artery should undergo open removal of the balloon with reconstruction of the femoral artery. In conclusion, femoral artery pseudoaneurysms are expected to diminish by the appropriate technique of balloon removal.