Percutaneous intraaortic balloon pumping: initial experience.

The necessity of surgical procedures for insertion as well as for removal of the balloon catheter remains a serious disadvantage of IABP. The percutaneous technique of insertion and removal of a specially designed balloon catheter is therefore of a great interest. Our initial clinical experience shows that this is simple, rapid and safe and can be performed at the bedside in a few minutes by any physician experienced with arterial catheterization. Its hemodynamic efficiency is identical. No specific complications were encountered although two cases of pulmonary embolism were recorded. A causal relationship between pulmonary embolism and the percutaneous removal of a balloon catheter must therefore be considered.