The IABP offers the following potential benefits:

The risk of complications has dropped as the IABP has evolved over the last 40 years. However, there are some complications that are still reported in some patients, which include:

• Damage to the aorta or femoral artery
  
  
• Heavy bleeding (hemorrhaging), occasionally from the site of insertion
  
  
• Infection
  
  
• Lack of oxygen-rich blood to either a limb (limb ischemia) or an organ (visceral ischemia), due to narrowed blood vessels
  
  
• Tearing or bursting of the balloon, releasing gas into the bloodstream with potentially dangerous results

In addition, not all patients are suited for IABP. Patients who may not be recommended for IABP use include:

• Those with conditions of the aorta, including aortic regurgitation, abdominal aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection
• Those with uncontrolled bleeding
• Those with severe peripheral vascular disease