Percutaneous retrograde left ventricular assist support for interventions in patients with aortic stenosis and left...

To evaluate feasibility and technical outcomes in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) who have undergone high-risk procedures with continuous flow left ventricular (LV) assist, with the Impella 2.5 system (Abiomed, Danvers, MA).

In preparation for transcatheter aortic valve implantation, an increasing number of high-risk patients with severe AS and left ventricular dysfunction are currently considered for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV). Hemodynamic support may be required in some patients.

We reviewed procedural and clinical findings and 30-day outcomes in patients with symptomatic AS who underwent high-risk percutaneous procedures supported by the Impella 2.5 system. All patients carried a high-risk of operative mortality. Impella was used during PCI, BAV, and for hemodynamic support during emergencies.

Over a 14-month period, 21 patients with AS underwent insertion of Impella prior to high-risk PCI (n = 3), BAV with subsequent PCI (n = 8), BAV alone (n = 7), or during cardiac arrest immediately following BAV (n = 3). The mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) predicted mortality risk was 14% (range 7.3-24.7%). Impella was inserted successfully in all patients attempted. Retrograde advancement of two catheters across the aortic valve (for concomitant BAV in 15 patients) was technically feasible. Retrograde continuous flow LV assist produced a reduction in LV end-diastolic pressure and an increase in arterial pressure. Periprocedural complications occurred in 19% (n = 4) patients, with no periprocedural deaths. Mortality at 30 days was 14.2%.

Our data suggests that continuous flow LV assist with Impella 2.5 can be used in high-risk patients with severe AS who require periprocedural hemodynamic support.