Aortic Perforation and Ascending Dissection Due to Intra-Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation Implantation in Cardiac Surgery

The intra-aortic balloon pump continues to be a useful ventricular assist device in cardiac surgery. Complications are estimated to be 7% to 40%, significantly high to catastrophic. We describe an aortic injury associated with the use of the device and an interdisciplinary management for the diagnostic and therapeutic approach. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).