American heart journal
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American heart journal · Feb 2000
Sex and other predictors of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation-related complications: prospective study of 1119 consecutive patients.
Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC) complication rates remain significant despite technical advances that have simplified and expanded its use. Previous reports implicated patient height, diabetes, or peripheral vascular disease as risk factors. However, these studies were small and not prospective. Therefore a prospective study at one high-volume center was conducted examining the complications associated with IABC and the role of sex and other risk factors in the current era. ⋯ The current complication rate associated with IABC remains significant. Advances in IAB technology need to focus on the high-risk subset of patients that includes women, smaller patients, and those with peripheral vascular disease.