Echocardiographic approach in a new left ventricular assist device: Impella Recover 100

Echocardiographic evaluation represents a basic tool for the treatment of patients undergoing ventricular assist device implant. Impella Recover 100 is a new left intraventricular assist device proposed for short-term mechanical circulatory support to be implanted without cardiopulmonary bypass. We report our experience with echocardiographic monitoring on a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy who underwent Impella Recover 100 implant as a bridge to heart transplant. During the surgical procedure echocardiography had an essential role for anatomic evaluation of the heart and correct intraventricular positioning of the device. Moreover, during the whole period of assistance, echocardiography contributed to assessment of patient-device interaction and to check the device when malfunction was suggested.