Sex and other predictors of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation-related complications: prospective study of 1119 consecutive patients.

Abstract

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.