Prevention of Possible Embolus Following Intra Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation (IABP) Insertion by Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)

Severe atherosclerosis of the descending aorta is directly related to atheroembolic events. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a sensitive technique for evaluating such atheroma plaques of the thoracic aorta which may predict the risk of emboli. We describe a patient with severe intraluminal aortic atherosclerotic plaques detected by TEE while positioning an Intraaortic Balloon Counterpulsation ( IABP ) during coronary artery by-pass grafting. IABP was re-positioned to prevent an emboli formation with the aid of TEE. TEE should be use to visualize descending aorta prior to IABP insertion.