Vascular entrapment of a ruptured intra-aortic balloon: a case report of successful removal without surgery.

Intra-aortic balloon pump entrapment is a rare complication that may necessitate major abdominal surgery that is potentially life threatening in the critically ill patients who require balloon counterpulsation. We report successful removal of a ruptured and entrapped intra-aortic balloon pump catheter after use of streptokinase solution to clear clots from the device. We suggest this procedure as a safer, nonsurgical method that may eliminate the need for abdominal surgery.