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].