OBJECTIVES: To describe complications associated to the use of intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), and their relationship with dwelling time, presence of risk factors/comorbidities, and nursing records. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study, in which medical records were analyzed through the completion of specifically designed forms. RESULTS: In total, 104 patients were included, with mean age 65±11 years, 52% men; 26 (25%) of them presented vascular complications, more frequently ischemia (25%); peripheral vascular disease was the risk factor/comorbidity more frequently related to complications (56.3%; p=0.003). Nursing records showed that the use of catheter was recorded in 30 cases (29%), and the patient's clinical situation after its removal in 28 cases (27%). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the frequency of complications related to IABP is high. Considering risk factor/comorbidity factors, peripheral vascular disease was significantly associated to complications. Nursing records were sub-optimal.
cohort studies; intra-aortic balloon pumping; nursing care
