Q: If patient requires long term Intra Aortic Balloon Pulsation (IABP), which vessel is desirable to use?


Answer:

In patients with severe peripheral vascular disease or where femoral approach is not desirable like in patients awaiting heart transplantation - Left axillary artery approach is a great alternative preferably with Dacron graft interposition. Use of TEE should be utilize during insertion for proper catheter placement.