Increasing use of the Impella®-pump in severe cardiogenic shock: a word of caution

Impella® pumps are increasingly utilized in patients in cardiogenic shock. We report on a case series where Impella support was insufficient, and a switch to venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) became necessary. ECMO patients with previous Impella devices were identified utilizing our institutional ECMO database. Since 2014, 10 patients with a mean age of 62 ± 3 years were identified. Despite correct placement of all Impella pumps, cardiogenic shock persisted with progressive multi-organ failure (Impella type 2.5/CP n = 6/4 patients). Femoro-femoral VA ECMO was implanted percutaneously on the contralateral side with the Impella initially left on standby but retracted into the descending aorta for transport reasons after a mean support time of 20 ± 8 h. All patients were able to unload their heart by left ventricular ejection with a blood pressure amplitude of 15 ± 3 mmHg on VA ECMO support. After VA ECMO implantation haemodynamic parameters improved significantly within 24 h of support (mean serum lactate levels decreased from 92 ± 17 to 44 ± 10 mg/dl, P = 0.031). Survival to hospital discharge was 70%. These data indicate that the Impella 2.5® and CP® might not be sufficient in profound cardiogenic shock. Comparative studies are necessary to specify which patient population benefits from which type of circulatory support.