Assisted circulation using the TandemHeart during very high-risk PCI of the unprotected left main coronary artery in patients declined for CABG.

Objectives: In a single center experience, we retrospectively evaluated the short-term safety and efficacy of the TandemHeart percutaneous transseptal left ventricular assist (PTVA) system to deliver extracorporeal circulatory support during catheter based treatment of the unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA).

Background: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) of the ULMCA usually has been restricted to patients who are hemodynamically unstable or ineligible for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). High-risk patients for CABG should be considered at increased risk for PCI as well.