Balloon-related Complications Research Articles

Comparation of abdominal aortic balloon occlusion versus uterine artery embolization in the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy

Study objectiveThis study is to uncover the advantages of abdominal aortic balloon occlusion in the uterine curettage treatment for patients with cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).MethodsTo retrospectively analyze the clinical data of eighty patients with CSP after treatment in our hospital from 01/10/2019 to 01/05/2021. The 80 patients were divided into 2 groups: 41 patients were treated with abdominal aortic balloon occlusion and the control group (n = 39) underwent Uterine artery embolization (UAE). The amount of bleeding during the operation, the operation time of the uterine curettage, the X-ray fluoroscopy time under DSA, the surface dose in radiation, the length of hospital stay (LOS), and the postoperative complications were compared between these 2 groups (type II and type III).ResultsAll the operations successfully retained the uterus. No balloon-related complications occurred in the experimental group. And in the control group, there were 14 cases of fever and 19 cases of pain after UAE. The fluoroscopy time of experimental group and control group were: (type II: (20.3 ± 7.1)s vs. (593.7 ± 284.5)s, p < 0.01), (type III: (21.2 ± 7.2)s vs. (509.8 ± 164.2)s, p < 0.01), the surface dose in radiation: (type II: (1.9 ± 0.7)mGy vs. (248.3 ± 85.9)mGy, p < 0.01), (type III: (2.1 ± 0.8)mGy vs.(252.0 ± 74.9)mGy, p < 0.01), the amount of bleeding during the operation: (type II:30.0(20.0, 50.0)ml vs. 20.0(10.0, 50.0)ml, p = 0.113), (type III:50.0 (17.5,162.5)ml vs. 50.0 (22.5, 72.5)ml, p = 0.623), the operation time of the uterine curettage:(type II: (54.8 ± 19.4)min vs.(43.9 ± 21.9)min, p = 0.071), (type III: (65.2 ± 50.4)min vs.(52.8 ± 20.1)min, p = 0.426), LOS: (type II:(5.4 ± 1.7)d vs.(5.4 ± 1.2)d, p = 0.816), (type III:(5.8 ± 2.4)d vs. (7.0 ± 1.7)d, p = 0.161). The follow-up was more than 3 months. No adverse reaction in the experimental group and 6 patients in the control group presented menstrual volume decrease.ConclusionNo balloon-related complications occurred in the abdominal aortic balloon occlusion and lower radiation exposure for both the operator and patient. And both abdominal aortic balloon occlusion and UAE can effectively reduce the bleeding during uterine curettage in patients with type II and III CSP.

Procedural Mortality With Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - Balloon Inflation is Associated With Increased Risk.

To assess the impact of balloon use for predilation, valve implantation, or postdilation on in-hospital mortality among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). TAVR utilizes self-expanding, mechanically expanding, or balloon-expandable valves. Balloon inflation is inherent to deployment of balloon-expandable valves. Balloons may additionally be used with all valve types for pre- and postdilation. The relationships between valve mechanism, balloon use, and in-hospital mortality are not fully characterized. Prospective data were collected on 4063 patients undergoing TAVR for aortic stenosis at 4 high-volume centers in the United Kingdom. In-hospital mortality was analyzed according to valve expansion mechanism, use of balloons for pre- and postdilation, and specific cause of death. Mean patient age was 83 ± 8 years. Implanted valves were self expanding (n = 2241; 55%), mechanically expanding (n = 1092; 27%), or balloon expandable (n = 727; 18%). In-hospital death occurred in 66 cases (1.6%). Thirty-six deaths (54.5%) were classified as implantation-related mortalities, with rates of 0.8%, 0.5%, and 1.7% (P=.04) among self-expanding, mechanically expanding, and balloon-expandable technologies, respectively. Patients who underwent balloon inflation at any stage of their procedure (n = 2556; 63%) had significantly higher implantation-related mortality than those who did not (1.3% vs 0.3%, respectively; P<.01). Balloon-expandable valve procedures were associated with significantly higher all-cause mortality (2.6% vs 1.4%; P=.02) and implantation-related mortality (1.7% vs 0.7%; P=.02) than non-balloon-expandable valve procedures. Balloon-related complications accounted for 18 cases (26%) of total in-hospital mortality, including all 12 cases (17.4%) of annular rupture and 5 cases (7.2%) of coronary occlusion. Balloon use for predilation, valve implantation, or postdilation was associated with an increased mortality risk. Balloon-related complications were the largest contributor to in-hospital mortality, comprising all cases of annular rupture and the majority of coronary occlusion cases.

Balloon tamponade sequentially combined with TIPS for refractory acute variceal bleeding: efficacy, safety and procedural techniques

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a therapeutic strategy, balloon tamponade (BT) sequentially combined with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), in cirrhotic patients with refractory acute variceal bleeding (AVB), and to introduce technical points of performing TIPS under BT.MethodsConsecutive patients with refractory AVB treated with this strategy from February 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. We evaluated the technical success rate, efficacy of TIPS treatment, procedure-related complications and dynamic change of liver function. Variceal rebleeding, shunt patency, overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) and survival were assessed during follow-up.ResultsSixteen patients were included in the study. TIPS procedure was successfully performed in all patients, and balloon was deflated during TIPS in eight patients, after TIPS in three and before TIPS in five. Mean portal pressure gradient (PPG) decreased from 28.3 ± 4.2 to 11.0 ± 2.9 mmHg, and a reduction > 50% was achieved in all patients. No TIPS- and balloon-related complications were observed. During a median follow-up of 16.7 (IQR 12.1–26.5) months, two patients experienced rebleeding, two patients developed shunt dysfunction, and OHE occurred in three patients. Two patients died during follow-up, with a cumulative survival rate of 100% at 6 weeks and 81% at 1 year.ConclusionsBalloon tamponade sequentially combined with TIPS should be considered an effective and safe strategy for patients with refractory AVB. This strategy was associated with lower incidence of TIPS- and balloon-related complications and recurrent variceal bleeding.

Surgical procedure for unexpected balloon burst complication during endoscopic balloon dilatation in a patient with common bile duct stones

BackgroundEndoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) is the established treatment for common bile duct (CBD) stones. Although pancreatitis and bleeding have been reported as major complications of EBD, balloon-related complications are rarely reported in EBD.Case presentationA 30-year-old woman with suspected CBD stones underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and EBD. During EBD, the balloon of the EBD catheter suddenly burst at the biliary sphincter. We therefore performed surgical intervention: removal of the broken EBD catheter and T-tube drainage. Finally, the patient was discharged without any complications.ConclusionsWe present a case involving a burst balloon of an EBD catheter as a rare complication during EBD, as well as the surgical technique that was used to treat this complication.

The intraoperative use of aortic balloon occlusion technique for sacral and pelvic tumor resections: A case-control study

IntroductionPelvic and sacral tumor surgery is traditionally characterized by several major complications. Bleeding is probably the most feared and dreadful complication. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the intraoperative use of the intra-aortic balloon occlusion technique could decrease the perioperative blood loss. A secondary aim was to assess aortic balloon-related complications. Materials and methodsFrom January 2014 to December 2017 15 patients (Group 1) treated with intra-aortic balloon inflation were prospectively enrolled and compared to a historical control group (Group 2) of 11 patients with similar surgeries. Number of blood units transfused, perioperative hemoglobin values, hours spent in intensive care unit (ICU), length of inpatient stay, and perioperative complications were evaluated. ResultsIntraoperatively, a mean of 6.1 blood units per patient (BUPP) was used in Group 1 and 16.2 BUPP in Group 2. Postoperatively the averages were 2,8 and 5,4 BUPP in Group 1 and 2, respectively. Patients in Group 1 had a faster recovery in hemoglobin values, as well as a shorter length of overall inpatient stay (28,9 vs 59 days) and of ICU stay (33.9 vs 74.6 h). The most relevant complications observed in Group 1 were two thrombosis at the incannulation site that required a surgical arterial thrombectomy. ConclusionThe intra-aortic balloon occlusion is an effective technique to control bleeding during the resections of huge pelvic and sacral tumors. A proper training of a multidisciplinary team and an accurate patient selection are required to prevent major complications.

Efficacy and Safety of Intragastric Balloon Placements in 1600 Case, an Experience from the Middle East.

Intragastric balloons are used as a treatment for obesity. Much of the data collected on balloons had been in the context of clinical trials in academic medical centers or as a bridge to bariatric surgery in obesity centers. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of balloon treatment in private practice. This is an interventional study. The study included 1600 patients. The study was conducted at the ElKatib Hospital. This was a retrospective analysis of 6-month weight loss data and balloon-related complications of patients referred to a private center for obesity treatment. The assessment was carried out by obtaining full patients' history (personal history, present illness, and previous drug history and operations). Laboratory work was done in the form of CBC, blood sugar, and viral markers. Bioenterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB) silicone balloon was used, filled with saline plus methylene blue dye with a volume ranging from 400 to 700ml. The gained measures were analyzed by using SPSS program, and paired t test and chi-square test were used to compare between groups. A total of 1600 patients were included (368 male (23%) and 1232 female (77%)) with mean age 34.1 ± 10.354, mean body weight 112.45 ± 26.24, and mean body mass index (BMI) 40.32 ± 8.17. There were 46 patients younger than 18years and 12 patients older than 60years. There were 109 patients with a BMI ranging from 25 to < 35 and 737 patients with a BMI ≥ 40kg/m2. A total of 1567 patients who attended weight consultation had a mean weight loss 17.35 ± 11.07 from intragastric balloon implantation. Thirty-three patients from the total sample were not weighted after the removal of the balloon (dropped out). Percentage excess weight loss (% EWL) = 100% × (baseline absolute weight (AW)-last weight)/(baseline AW-initial body weight (IBW)) was found, and weight loss of more than 10% was considered significant. About 49.3% of patients showed significant weight loss > 10%, 24.7% of patients showed weight loss > 20%, while 26% of patients showed no significant weight loss < 10%. Intragastric balloons on their own, with an intensive lifestyle program and supportive consultations, resulted in safe and short-term substantial weight loss, and may fill the therapeutic gap between pharmacotherapy and surgery.

Ectopic Balloon Device Placement to Correct the Positional Hepatic Venous Outflow Obstruction in Liver Transplantation.

Hepatic vein outflow obstruction in liver transplantation can lead to graft or patient loss. We used an intrauterine balloon to overcome this complication in 13 liver transplant recipients. Here, we report the results of these cases; our report, as far as we know, involves the highest number of patients on this issue. Positional hepatic vein outflow obstruction was diagnosed in 13 of 651 liver transplant recipients between January 2014 and December 2016. The grafts were repositioned by intrauterine balloon placed to the right subdiaphragmatic area. Data of donors, recipients, and grafts and postoperative courses were analyzed. Of the 13 patients, 9 were men, with age range of patients of 22 to 70 years. The amount of saline used to inflate the balloon was variable (200-450 cm3), and hepatic vein outflow obstruction was relieved after balloon implantation in all patients. There were no balloon-related complications. Removal was done at bedside, without any additional sedation or any additional skin incision on days 2 to 15. Doppler ultrasonography scans were performed before and after the balloon removal. There were no vascular complications after removal. Intrauterine balloon can be safely and efficiently used for hepatic vein outflow obstruction during liver transplant when needed.

Can Aortic Balloon Occlusion Reduce Blood Loss During Resection of Sacral Tumors That Extend Into the Lower Lumber Spine?

Although aortic balloon occlusion has been shown to reduce blood loss during sacral tumor resections, it has not been validated in larger sacral tumors involving the lower lumbar spine. If such an approach were shown to be associated with less blood loss, it might aid the tumor surgeon in resecting these difficult tumors. (1) Is the use of aortic balloon occlusion associated with reduced blood loss in sacral tumor resections when the lower lumbar spine is also involved? (2) Does the use of the aortic balloon prolong total operating time? (3) What complications are associated with the use of a balloon? We retrospectively studied all 56 patients diagnosed with sacral tumors involving the lower lumbar spine (L4, L5) who were treated surgically between 2004 and 2015 at our institute. During that time, 30 of the patients received aortic balloon occlusion therapy, whereas 26 of the patients did not. We generally used aortic balloon occlusion during procedures for hypervascular lesions (for example, giant cell tumors or metastatic renal cancers), primary malignant lesions, and recurrent lesions. We generally avoided use of aortic balloon occlusion in patients with anatomic defects of the aorta (aortic dissection or aneurysm was strictly contraindicated), renal artery bifurcation caudal to the L2 to L3 disc, age older than 70 years or younger than 12 years, history of Stage 2 hypertension [], history of balloon use in previous surgeries, and presence of unstable plaque on abdominal CT. The demographic data, intraoperative blood loss, transfusion volume, operating time, and postoperative wound drainage between the two groups were collected and analyzed. Balloon-related complications were identified. Followup in terms of balloon-related complications was conducted in all 56 patients for at least 6 months after surgery. Intraoperative blood loss was determined to be less in patients treated with the balloon compared with those treated without the balloon (median volume, 2000 mL, range, 400-6000 mL versus 2650 mL, range, 550-6800 mL, respectively; median difference, 605 mL; 95% confidence interval [CI], 100-1500 mL; p = 0.035). Total operative time was not prolonged in the balloon group (including balloon insertion time) compared with those treated without it (median time, 215 minutes, range, 110-430 minutes versus 225 minutes, range, 115-340 minutes, respectively; median difference, 10 minutes; 95% CI, -40 to 30 minutes; p = 0.902). Balloon-related vascular complications included local hematoma at the puncture site in five patients, femoral artery spasm in three patients, lower limb ischemia in one patient, and femoral artery pseudoaneurysm in one patient. Acute kidney injury was found in two patients in the balloon group. This study demonstrated that placement of the aortic balloon at a level just caudal to the renal artery bifurcation was associated with lower intraoperative blood loss and transfusion in lumbosacral tumor resections. However, procedure-specific complications were common and there was no benefit to total operative time. We suggest that the surgical procedures still need to be further refined to minimize complications. We also recommend that prospective studies be undertaken to confirm the efficacy of aortic balloon occlusion in surgery for lumbosacral tumors. Level III, therapeutic study.

Outcomes of intragastric balloon placements in a private practice setting.

Intragastric balloons are used as a treatment for obesity. Much of the data collected on balloons has been in the context of clinical trials in academic medical centers or as a bridge to bariatric surgery in obesity centers. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of balloon treatment in private practice. This was a retrospective analysis of 6-month weight loss data and balloon-related complications of patients referred to three private centers for obesity treatment. A total of 815 patients (131 males) were referred for balloon treatment (mean age 36.5 years, mean body weight 111.7 kg, mean body mass index [BMI] 38.1 kg/m(2)). The 6-month weight loss data were available for 672 patients. Mean weight loss was 20.9 kg (7.2 BMI units). A total of 372 patients visited the center only once following balloon placement (i. e. for balloon removal), but these patients still achieved a mean weight loss of 19.4 kg (6.6 BMI units). Successful weight loss (i. e. ≥ 10 %) was achieved in 85.0 %. Severe complications consisted of dehydration requiring hospital admission (n = 2; 0.2 %), and intestinal obstruction caused by balloon deflation, which required surgery (n = 2; 0.2 %). A total of 35 deflated balloons (4.3 %) were passed rectally without any adverse events. Severe esophagitis following balloon placement was diagnosed in 12 patients (1.5 %). A total of 53 patients (6.5 %) requested balloon removal during the first month. Nine balloons (1.1 %) were removed for medical reasons. In the private practice setting, intragastric balloons on their own, without an intensive lifestyle program and supportive consultations, resulted in safe and substantial weight losses, and may fill the therapeutic gap between pharmacotherapy and surgery.

Treatment of carotid-cavernous fistulas using intraarterial balloon assistance: case series and technical note

Multiple approaches have been used to treat carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs). The transvenous approach has become a popular and effective route. Onyx is a valuable tool in today's endovascular armamentarium. The authors describe the use of a balloon-assisted technique in the treatment of CCFs with Onyx and assess its feasibility, utility, and safety. The authors searched their prospectively maintained database for CCFs embolized using Onyx with the assistance of a compliant balloon placed in the internal carotid artery (ICA). Five patients were treated between July 2009 and July 2011 at the authors' institution. A balloon helped to identify the fistulous point, served as a buttress for coils, protected from inadvertent arterial embolizations, and prevented Onyx and coils from obscuring the ICA during the course of embolization. No balloon-related complications were noted in any of the 5 cases. All 5 fistulas were completely obliterated at the end of the procedure. Four patients had available clinical follow-ups, and all 4 showed reversal of nerve palsies. Balloon-assisted Onyx embolization of CCFs offers a powerful combination that prevents inadvertent migration of the embolic material into the arterial system, facilitates visualization of the ICA, and serves as a buttress for coils deployed in the cavernous sinus through the fistulous point. Despite adding another layer of technical complexity, an intraarterial balloon can provide valuable assistance in the treatment of CCFs.

Balloon Occlusion of the Ascending Aorta without Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest in Valve Surgery for Patients with a Porcelain Aorta

Severe calcification of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch complicates cardiac surgery. The optimal approach in such patients is unknown. Four valve surgeries were performed with balloon occlusion without hypothermic circulatory arrest. All patients had femoral arterial cannulation, and all 3 patients who required an aortotomy had right axillary artery cannulation as well. A balloon catheter was inserted just proximal to the brachiocephalic artery via a purse-string stitch. Good cardiac arrest was obtained in all cases, and a good bloodless field was obtained in all 3 aortic valve cases. There were no balloon-related complications. The patients all showed good postoperative courses. Balloon occlusion of the ascending aorta without circulatory arrest is effective for performing a rapid and less invasive surgery that is not significantly different from the usual valve surgery.

Use of Aortic Balloon Occlusion to Decrease Blood Loss During Sacral Tumor Resection

Aortic balloon occlusion has been introduced into sacral tumor surgery to reduce extensive hemorrhage. The purposes of this retrospective study were to determine the efficacy of aortic balloon occlusion in decreasing intraoperative and postoperative blood losses and to analyze the complications of this technique. The cases of 215 patients in whom a sacral tumor had been treated surgically between 1997 and 2009 were studied retrospectively. Ninety-five patients who had had sacral tumor resection without aortic balloon occlusion were compared with 120 patients in whom aortic balloon occlusion had been carried out during the tumor resection. The demographic data, possible factors influencing hemorrhage, and total blood loss volume (including intraoperative and postoperative volumes) were determined with a review of the medical records and compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the demographic data, grade of malignancy, tumor blood supply, location of the tumor, percentage of patients who had a recurrent tumor or preoperative radiation, surgical approach, or type of resection. The patients with aortic balloon occlusion had a larger mean tumor volume, more frequently had a sacral reconstruction, and had a longer mean operative time; however, their mean total (2963 mL) and intraoperative (2236 mL) blood loss volumes were lower than those of the patients without occlusion (4337 and 3935 mL, respectively) (p < 0.001). Complications related to aortic balloon occlusion included femoral artery embolism in three patients and hematoma formation at the puncture site in five. Aortic balloon occlusion decreases the total and intraoperative blood loss volumes in patients treated with sacral tumor surgery who require extensive dissection. There is a low rate of balloon-related complications.

Balloon-Related Complications and Technical Failures in Kyphoplasty for Vertebral Fractures

Our aim was to describe the immediate or early complications and technical failures occurring during balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) procedures and attributable to balloon inflation. We performed a retrospective review of all consecutive kyphoplasty procedures performed in our institution from May 2005 to October 2006. Fifty-one patients were treated by BKP at 75 spinal levels, and 137 vertebroplasties were performed as well. Several recurrent complications or procedural failures were observed during BKP: cortical or endplate fracture by balloon expansion (4 vertebrae), partial vertebral re-collapse after deflation (4 vertebrae), balloon rupture during inflation (5 vertebrae), and transient hyperalgia after the procedure (11 patients, 27.5%). Several symptomatic or asymptomatic complications and technical failures can occur during BKP. Some modifications of the usual kyphoplasty technique may decrease the frequency of these complications.

Long Intraaortic Balloon Treatment Time Leads to More Vascular Complications

Intraaortic balloon counterpulsation is an established and efficient therapy. Limb ischemia is the most common complication. The impact of treatment duration on balloon-related complications was analyzed retrospectively in 135 patients who underwent balloon counterpulsation between 1998 and 2004. Thirty high-risk coronary patients required preoperative intraaortic balloon therapy, 41 were in preoperative cardiogenic shock, and 64 needed support for difficulties in weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. No balloon-related mortality occurred. The overall balloon-related complication rate was 20/135 (14.8%); 18 had limb ischemia, of whom 6 (4.4%) required vascular interventions. Intraaortic balloon treatment time was significantly longer in patients who developed limb ischemia (99.8 +/- 54.1 h) compared to those who did not (34.4 +/- 30.4 h). Preoperative therapy had short treatment times and few complications. Intraaortic balloon pumping provides effective circulatory support with a low complication rate. A clear relationship was established between duration of treatment and balloon-related complications. Independent risk factors for balloon-related complications were long treatment time, acute myocardial infarction, age over 65 years, and ejection fraction less than 0.30.

Intraaortic balloon pumping in patients requiring cardiac operations: Risk analysis and long-term follow-up

The intraaortic balloon pump is usually the first mechanical device inserted for perioperative cardiac failure; however, little current information is available regarding short- and long-term effectiveness. From January 1983 through November 1990, 6856 adult patients underwent cardiac surgical procedures, 580 of whom (8.5%) had an intraaortic balloon inserted preoperatively (107 patients), intraoperatively (419 patients), or postoperatively (54 patients). There were 374 men and 206 women with a mean age of 63.9 years (range 19 to 88). Operations included 376 coronary artery bypass grafts, 100 mitral valve replacements (with or without bypass grafting), 70 aortic valve replacements (with or without bypass grafting), 15 double valve replacements (with or without bypass grafting), and 32 other procedures. There were 72 (12.4%) complications related to the balloon pump, of which 42 necessitated surgical intervention including thrombectomy (21), vascular repair (13), fasciotomy (2), aortic repair (1), and amputation (4). Operative mortality for patients supported by the balloon pump was 44%. Multivariate stepwise analysis of 27 parameters revealed six independent predictors of mortality: preoperative New York Heart Association class, transthoracic intraaortic balloon insertion (both p < 0.0001), preoperative administration of intravenous nitroglycerin, age, female gender, and preoperative balloon insertion (p < 0.001). Balloon-related complications were not predictive of death. Of the 326 hospital survivors, only 34 were lost to follow-up. There were 75 late deaths, the cause of which was cardiac in 41 (55%), noncardiac in 20 (27%), and unknown in 14 (19%). Actuarial survivals at 1, 5, and 9 years are 51%, 42%, and 33%. Of the 217 hospital survivors still alive and contacted, 81% were in class I (114) or II (60). These data demonstrate (1) operative mortality for patients requiring an intraaortic balloon in the perioperative period remains high, (2) perioperative risk factors can be identified, (3) complications related to the balloon pump do not affect survival, (4) operative survivors can achieve prolonged survival with excellent functional results, and (5) consideration for alternative methods of circulatory support is justified.