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Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
Anticoagulation of a Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Device Using a Low-Dose Heparin Purge Solution Protocol: A
Andrea Sikora Newsome1,2, Ashley Taylor1,2, Seth Garner1
1Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA.
Background:
Impella CP® is a percutaneous left ventricular assist device that requires a heparin-dextrose purge solution. The manufacturer recommends heparin 50 units/mL, but supratherapeutic anticoagulation has been observed with this concentration.
Objective:
The purpose of this evaluation was to observe the efficacy and safety of a low-dose heparin-based purge solution (25 units/mL in dextrose 20%). The primary outcome evaluated percentage of activated clotting times (ACTs) below therapeutic range. Secondary objectives included evaluating the incidence of device thrombosis and rate of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Platelet trends were characterized.
Methods:
A single-site retrospective review was conducted for all adults with the Impella CP from January 2015 to December 2017.
Results:
A total of 18 patients were included. The percentage of ACT readings within goal of 160 to 200 seconds was 49%, and 38% of readings were subtherapeutic. Per BARC bleeding criteria, 22% (n = 4) patients experienced class IIIa bleeding and 39% (n = 7) experienced class II bleeding. Though 4 (22%) patients were tested for HIT, no patients were positive. Patients showed universal reductions in platelet counts.
Conclusions:
The use of a low-dose anticoagulation protocol of heparin 25 units/mL in dextrose 20% as needed warrants further evaluation.
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