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Updated: May 31, 2026

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
Clinical use of temporary percutaneous left ventricular assist devices
Patric Froesch1, Michele Martinelli, Pascal Meier
1Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
Background:
Temporary percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (TPLVAD) can be inserted and removed in awake patients. They substitute left ventricular function for a period of up to a few weeks and provide an excellent backup and bridge to recovery or decision.
Methods:
Retrospective analysis of 75 patients who received TPLVAD to treat cardiogenic shock (n = 49) or to facilitate high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (n = 26). Forty-two patients with cardiogenic shock and 16 patients with high-risk PCI received a TandemHeart and 7 patients and 10 patients, respectively, received an Impella Recover LP 2.5. Outcome and related complications up to 1 month are reported with reference to device depending function.
Results:
One-month survival was 53% in patients with shock and 96% in patients with PCI.
Conclusion:
TPLVADs can support the failing heart with acceptable risk. Outcome is better in prophylactic use than in patients with cardiogenic shock.
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