Impella LP 5.0 in refractory cardiogenic shock: monocentric experience

Impella LP 5.0 is a microaxial left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The aim of our work was to assess the potential cardiac recovery of patients assisted by this device and to determine the possible complications. Our observational study described the evolution of 14 patients supported with Impella LP 5.0 from december 2010 to October 2011. The mean age was 53 years and male gender was prevalent (78.6%). All patients had cardiogenic shock due to different etiologies: 8 acute coronary syndromes, 5 postcardiotomy failure and 1 myocarditis. Mean support time was 9 days. Survival rate at one month after intensive care unit discharge was 64%. We reported 2 cases of Impella thrombosis and 1 case of infection at the right axillary artery access. Impella LP 5.0 is a safe device and can be utilized for low cardiac output in various indications as short-term support as well as to discharge left cavities in case of pulmonary edema in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation