In which conditions should we insert an intra-aortic balloon pump? In the operating room or intensive care unit?

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate complications of intra-aortic balloon pump catheters inserted percutaneously in the operating room versus in the intensive care unit setting. Patients and methods: Between January 2013 and January 2016, a total of 71 patients (54 males, 17 females; mean age 63.0 years, range, 41 to 84 years) who underwent percutaneous intra-aortic balloon pump insertion in the operating room or in the intensive care unit were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups as Group 1 (n=48) consisting of the patients with intra-aortic balloon pump inserted in the operating room and Group 2 (n=23) consisting of those who underwent intra-aortic balloon pump in the intensive care unit. Both groups were compared in terms of pre- and post-procedural data and the effects of intra-aortic balloon pump insertion performed in the intensive care unit and operating room settings on reproductive pathology results of the catheters were assessed. Results: The mean pre- and post-procedural platelet counts were significantly higher in Group 2 than Group 1. After the procedure, the incidence of growth only was higher in the cultures collected from the tips of the catheters inserted in the intensive care unit. Conclusion: Insertion of intra-aortic balloon pump catheters in the operating room is more secure than the catheters inserted in the intensive care unit in terms of catheter infections. Therefore, in patients who are scheduled for intra-aortic balloon pump support in the intensive care unit setting, this procedure should be considered to be performed under operating room conditions, if the mobility of the patient is ensured.