Successful surgical extraction of an entrapped intra-aortic balloon pump

Intra-aortic balloon pump use is an approach for the provision of mechanical support to improve cardiac output and perfusion in the perioperative period in patients undergoing coronary intervention. Despite its beneficial use, rupture of the balloon and entrapment of blood clots in the lumen may occur in very rare cases. We discuss a postoperative presentation, plan, and operative management for the removal of an entrapped balloon catheter.