Repositioning Axillary Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps in Patients Awaiting Heart Transplantation Is Associated With Complications.

Thirty-eight patients received 55 ax-intra-aortic balloon pumps.

Mean age was 50.7 years, 71% male; non-ischemic cardiomyopathy predominated (51%).

Repositioning was required in 49% of devices (mean 2.2 events each).

Competing-risks analysis showed a time-dependent increase in complication risk during prolonged support.