Utilisation of Impella
The Impella can provide haemodynamic support similar to ventricular
assist devices with the advantages of unloading the left ventricle and
being miniaturised and able to be placed percutaneously (2.5, CP)
[8]. By continuously aspirating blood from the left ventricle, the
Impella has a beneficial effect on LV unloading, coronary flow, and
overall cardiac output [9]. A recent study has demonstrated that in
acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock, treatment
with Impella, as compared with IABP, can improve shock severity
parameters due to superior haemodynamic support, although with no
significant effect on 30-day mortality [10, 11]. In addition, it has
been demonstrated that Impella can provide effective haemodynamic
support in several other indications such as high-risk percutaneous
coronary interventions (PCI) , bridge to destination or transplant [3,
9, 12].