Impella 5.0 is associated with a reduction in vasoactive support and improves hemodynamics in cardiogenic shock: A single-center experience.

Background: Treatment of cardiogenic shock (CS) often requires the use of vasopressors and inotropic agents, which are associated with an increase in mortality. Data on change in vasopressor and inotrope requirements post Impella 5.0 placement is scarce. Thus, we aimed to study the ability of Impella 5.0 to reduce these requirements.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with CS receiving Impella 5.0 was performed. Vasopressor-Inotrope Score (VIS) and a Modified Catecholamine Equivalent score (MCES) was calculated prior to and up to 72 h post-Impella implantation. Primary outcome was change in MCES from baseline to 48-h post implantation and secondary outcomes included change in VIS, changes in MCES according to SCAI Stage and to underlying etiology, and freedom from mortality at 30-days.

Results: Twenty-eight patients with median age of 61 (48, 67) years were included. Impella 5.0 was associated with significant reduction in MCES from baseline [9.7 (5.3, 17)] to 48 h [5.7 (3.8, 7.5),  = 0.001]. VIS was also significantly reduced from baseline [8.3 (3.8, 19.9)] to 48 h [5.0 (2.5, 8),  = 0.003]. MCES at 48 h was significantly reduced in patients with SCAI Stage E versus Stage C ( = 0.026) and with acute myocardial infarction versus acute decompensated heart ( = 0.003). Thirty-day survival was 0% in patients that had a baseline MCES ⩾ 10 without a reduction in MCES of at least 5 at 24 h.

Conclusion: Impella 5.0 is associated with a significant reduction in MCES and VIS scores in patients presenting with CS with 30-day survival being dependent on MCES.