Percutaneous biventricular Impella support in therapy-refractory cardiogenic shock

Percutaneous mechanical circulatory support systems have increasingly been adopted as a bail out strategy in patients with cardiogenic shock. Since studies showed mostly mixed results, however, the use of support systems remains a case by case decision.

Here, we report on a case of therapy-refractory cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous right and left ventricular assist devices (Impella RP and CP).

Due to myocardial stunning, even patients with fulminant cardiogenic shock have the potential for full recovery. In the present case, we demonstrate the feasibility of biventricular Impella support in therapy-refractory cardiogenic shock facilitating bridge to recovery.