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Updated: Dec 15, 2025

Insertion, Maintenance, and Removal of the Percutaneous Dual Lumen Cannula Right Ventricular Assist Device
Published on: July 20, 2022
The First Case of Impella RP Use in Acute Right Ventricular Failure From Air Embolism
Yaser Khalid1, Neethi Dasu1, Keith Brown1
1Rowan School of Medicine, Jefferson Health System, Stratford, NJ, United States of America.
Background:
Air embolism can cause the following catastrophic complications that must be avoided: cardiogenic shock (from right heart failure), obstructive shock, myocardial infarction, stroke, RVOT obstructions, and pulmonary embolism. Currently there is a paucity of data on Impella RP use in rare causes of acute right ventricle (RV) failure, especially if caused by air embolism.
Case Report:
We report a case of a patient with acute RV failure due to air embolism who recovered from temporary use of Impella RP.
Discussion:
This case highlights the utility of right-sided mechanical support (MCS) devices for acute RV failure.
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