Compartment syndrome as a complication of intra-aortic balloon pumping

Abstract

Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) is a well accepted therapy in low cardiac output states. The complications reported with the use of IABP are varied. Development of a swollen, tender calf and loss of sensation and/or function, yet retaining a warm limb with the palpable peripheral pulses during or immediately after IABP is one such complication. We believe that this represents compartment syndrome following temporary or partial ischaemia. We set out to measure the compartment pressure in 13 patients in whom IABP was used following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Our results show that the slit catheter method used in this study to measure compartment pressures gave reliable results, was easy to set up and use and provided early warning of compartment syndrome, thus facilitating early treatment and viability of all limbs affected.