Feasibility and efficacy of the 2.5 L and 3.8 L impella percutaneous left ventricular support device during high-risk, percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

Objective: Assessment of the feasibility and outcomes of the 2.5 L and 3.8 L Impella cardiac pump in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and left ventricular impairment undergoing percutaneous revascularization (PCI) with or without balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV).

Methods: We reviewed the clinical and procedural findings from a consecutive series of unselected patients with severe AS who underwent PCI during Impella support. In addition, we describe novel "balloon-assist" techniques that allowed implantation of Impella into the left ventricle (LV) when initial unassisted attempts failed.

Results: Five patients with severe AS were identified (four males, age 78.2 years, aortic valve area (AVA) 0.6 cm(2) , left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 24 ± 5%, mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) mortality 11% (range 3-17%)). The Impella catheter traversed the aortic valve (AV) unassisted in only one patient, with four cases requiring balloon-assist techniques. All patients underwent planned revascularisation; mean procedure time 177 min (range 135-252 min), mean number of stents 3.4 (range 1-8), with three patients requiring rotational atherectomy. All procedures were well tolerated, with absence of arrhythmia, hypotension, pulmonary edema, stroke, or myocardial infarction. One patient died 48 hr post-PCI of multi-organ failure. The four remaining patients were well at 30 days.

Conclusion: Implantation of the 2.5 and 3.8 L Impella appears feasible in patients with severe AS and left ventricle (LV) impairment. A balloon-assist technique may be used to facilitate device implantation when initial unassisted attempts fail. Improved hemodynamic stability may enhance the tolerability of lengthy and complex procedures.