Abstract 15514: Ambulating Femoral Inserted Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump: Is It Safe?

Abstract

Introduction: Patients undergoing heart transplant evaluation wait in the hospital for weeks. The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is commonly used as a bridge to heart transplants. However, patients with a femoral-inserted IABP may face mobility limitations. Goal: To address this issue, the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) implemented a modified Ramsey protocol aimed at ambulating patients with IABP. Goals: The goal was to improve patient health outcomes. The project aims to ambulate patients with f-IABP in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) to prevent functional decline due to bed rest. Methods: The provider prescribed all IABP patients in the CICU ambulation. Before ambulation, patients who met the criteria were verticalized, utilizing the KREG Catalyst™ bed at 70 degrees for at least 45 minutes three times/day. After tolerating the verticalization at 70 degrees, nurses and physical therapists will assist the patient in stepping off the bed for at least 45 minutes 2 before ambulating around the unit. Results: A total of 14 patients were ambulated, of which twelve were male and two were female. The mean aged is 59 years, ranging from 30 to 72 years. The participants underwent an average of 15 ambulation sessions, with the minimum being one session and the maximum being 52 sessions. During these sessions, the participants covered an average total distance of 9619.29 feet, ranging from a minimum of 70 feet to a maximum of 36250 feet. The participants spent an average of 4061.86 seconds ambulating, with a minimum duration of one minute and a maximum of 30 minutes. The average catheter migration was 0.2229 centimeters upon implementation of the intervention. The findings show no significant adverse events with implementing this protocol. Conclusions: By implementing this protocol, healthcare professionals can enhance patient care and optimize post-heart transplant length of stay.