Nash IS; Lorell BH; Fishman RF; Baim DS; Donahue C; Diver DJ, A new technique for sheathless percutaneous intraaortic balloon catheter insertion. Cathet Cardiovasc Diagn, 1991 May, 23:1, 57-60

Abstract

Intraaortic balloon counterpulsation is helpful for controlling myocardial ischemia and providing hemodynamic support, but its applicability is limited by lower extremity ischemic complications in a significant percentage of patients. We developed a new sheathless technique for percutaneous intraaortic balloon catheter insertion which reduces the effective catheter diameter. A pilot study using this new technique resulted in a 10% rate of limb ischemia, without compromise of balloon function. We conclude that this technique may be useful in reducing the incidence of limb ischemia associated with intraaortic balloon counterpulsation.