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Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: June 12, 2021
Minimizing the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy and hemodynamic collapse during chronic total occlusion
Damiano Regazzoli1, Daisuke Hachinohe1, Ozan M Demir1
1Interventional Cardiology Unit, Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
Insights
This case study demonstrates safe percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for complex patients using a left ventricular assist device and minimal contrast. This approach preserved renal function and prevented adverse events in a high-risk individual.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Percutaneous coronary revascularization (PCR) candidates are increasingly older and have complex conditions.
- Factors like patient comorbidities, lesion complexity, and hemodynamic status increase risks during PCI.
- High-risk PCI necessitates adequate patient support to ensure procedural safety.
Observation:
- A 77-year-old male with moderate left ventricular dysfunction and stage IV chronic kidney disease underwent PCI.
- The procedure involved recanalization of a chronically occluded left anterior descending artery.
- A micro-axial percutaneous left ventricular assist device (Impella 2.5) was used for hemodynamic stability.
- Minimal contrast medium (14 ml) was administered to mitigate acute kidney injury risk.
Findings:
- Successful recanalization of the chronically occluded artery was achieved.
- The patient remained hemodynamically stable throughout the procedure, despite aggressive techniques like rotational atherectomy.
- No contrast-induced nephropathy or periprocedural myocardial infarction occurred.
- The patient was discharged two days post-procedure.
Implications:
- This case highlights the feasibility of performing high-risk PCI safely in complex patients.
- The use of a left ventricular assist device and minimal contrast is a viable strategy for renal function preservation.
- Recommendations are provided for interventional cardiologists performing complex PCI, emphasizing renal protection.
Abstract:
Candidates for percutaneous coronary revascularization are becoming progressively older and more complex. A combination of factors related to the patient, lesion, and/or hemodynamic conditions may increase the risk of adverse events. Therefore, when a high-risk procedure is identified, it is crucial to provide the patient with adequate support in order to safely perform percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We report the case of a 77-year-old man with moderate left ventricular dysfunction and stage IV chronic kidney disease who underwent successful recanalization of a chronically occluded left anterior descending artery. The procedure was performed with a micro-axial percutaneous left ventricular assist device (Impella 2.5) in order to provide stable hemodynamics, and with minimal contrast medium administration (14 ml) to minimize the risk of acute kidney injury. Despite the use of aggressive techniques (including rotational atherectomy), the patients remained stable throughout the procedure and did not experience contrast-induced nephropathy or periprocedural myocardial infarction, and was discharged two days later. Moreover, we provide recommendations to assist interventional cardiologist safely perform complex and high-risk PCI, with particular attention to renal function preservation.
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