Bloodstream infections in prolonged use of axillary-placed, intra-aortic balloon-pump support: A single-center study.

Infections from prolonged use of axillary intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs) have not been well studied. Bloodstream infection (BSI) occurred in 13% of our patients; however, no difference in outcome was noted between those with BSI and those without. Further studies regarding protocol developments that minimize BSI risk are needed.