Safety and Feasibility of Tilt Table Protocol for Early Mobilization of Patients with Femoral Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps

Purpose Intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs) can be used to provide hemodynamic support in patients with end-stage heart failure. IABPs are commonly inserted via the femoral artery, which can limit patients’ mobility. The Ramsey Protocol, developed by a critical care Physical Therapist (PT), allows patients with femoral IABPs to safely transfer out of bed to a standing position using a tilt table. Our institution adapted this protocol to create a clinical practice guideline for ambulating patients with femoral IABPs. Methods Our team's guideline included key components of the Ramsey Protocol, such as assessment of the patient's pre-morbid function, strength, and medical stability, as well as monitoring of IABP augmentation, IABP waveforms pre- and post-mobilization, and tilt table follow during ambulation. Appropriate candidates were patients with stable hemodynamics who were ambulatory prior to IABP placement, demonstrated against gravity muscle strength, and followed multi-step instructions. Results From April 1, 2019 to August 31, 2019, 9 patients (mean age 57 ± 15 years) underwent IABP insertion via either right or left femoral artery, as a bridge to transplant, and were mobilized following our protocol for a total of 27 ambulation sessions (Table). There were no adverse events associated with ambulation, defined as changes in IABP augmentation, waveform, and positioning, or bleeding requiring transfusion. The mean time from IABP to ambulation was 2 ± 2 days. All patients were successfully transplanted with mean time of IABP support of 6 ± 3 days and all were alive at 30 days post-transplant. There were no complications during IABP support (i.e. limb ischemia, hemorrhage, stroke, device dislodgement or failure, end-organ dysfunction, or balloon rupture). Conclusion Early mobilization in select patients with femoral IABPs can be performed safely and successfully, avoiding the deleterious effects of bedrest that have been historically seen in this patient population.