C O N T R A I N D I C A T I O N S A N D P O T E N T I A L C O M P L I C A T I O N S O F I A B; Contraindications - Arrow AutoCAT 2 Series Operating Manual

1 . C l i n i c a l U s e s
1 . 2 : C o n t r a i n d i c a t i o n s a n d P o t e n t i a l C o m p l i c a t i o n s o f I A B P

Contraindications

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping (IABP) requires an adequate location in which to place
the balloon and a functional aortic valve. Further, the clinician must have confidence
that the patient will benefit from the procedure. The conditions described below are
contraindications.
Absolute
Hemodynamically Significant Aortic Valve Insufficiency
If an aortic valve is incompetent, inflation of an IAB will result in increased
regurgitation into the left ventricle. The flow of blood back into the left ventricle will
reduce forward CO, further aggravating the patient's abnormal hemodynamics.
Aortic Aneurysm or Aortic Wall Disease
Movement of an IAB may jeopardize the integrity of the aortic wall in a patient with
either of these conditions. Rupture of the aortic wall must be avoided.
Relative
Atherosclerosis
In some patients with severe atherosclerosis, the femoral arteries may be sufficiently
plaque-filled and tortuous to prevent placement of the balloon.
End-stage Disease
Use of IABP may not be justified in some patients with late-stage terminal illness. This
is an aggressive and invasive procedure and should be used only if the patient will
derive significant clinical benefit.
Severe Clotting Disorders:
Use of the IABP may not be justified in patients with severe clotting disorders as the
IABP has been shown to increase the risk of bleeding complications. 36,37
Contraindications
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