The Impella LP 5.0 as a bridge to long-term circulatory support

Multi-organ failure (MOF) secondary to bi-ventricular cardiac dysfunction is a major therapeutic challenge. In addition to aggressive medical therapy, it frequently requires circulatory support with uni- or bi-ventricular assist devices. The Impella LP 5.0 is a new microaxial left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Microaxial LVADs have been used for short-term circulatory support in patients with cardiogenic shock due to myocarditis, post coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or during high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). We present a case of a patient in bi-ventricular failure successfully bridged to permanent circulatory support. Relative merits of this therapeutic approach are outlined and discussed.