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Updated: Oct 18, 2025

Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: June 12, 2021
Successful use of Impella 5.5 to manage cardiogenic shock complicated by COVID-19
Shant H Mahrokhian1, Taylor Nordan1, Jamel P Ortoleva2
1Division of Cardiac Surgery, CardioVascular Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Insights
This case report details the successful use of the Impella 5.5 heart pump in a patient with COVID-19 and severe heart failure. The device improved cardiac function, offering a new treatment option for refractory cardiogenic shock.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Intensive Care Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute decompensated heart failure is a growing concern in COVID-19 patients.
- Cardiogenic shock requires advanced circulatory support when refractory to standard therapies.
Observation:
- A COVID-19 positive patient presented with acute decompensated heart failure and refractory cardiogenic shock.
- Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography revealed severely diminished left ventricular ejection fraction.
Findings:
- Impella 5.5 device implantation provided effective mechanical circulatory support.
- Significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction and cardiac index was observed after 21 days of Impella 5.5 support.
- Native heart function was maintained after device explantation.
Implications:
- The Impella 5.5 is a viable option for managing refractory cardiogenic shock in COVID-19 patients.
- This case highlights the potential of mechanical circulatory support in improving outcomes for severe heart failure during COVID-19 infection.
Background:
Acute decompensated heart failure in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is becoming increasingly common.
Aims:
In this case report, we describe the successful use of an Impella 5.5 (Abiomed) to treat cardiogenic shock refractory to inotropic therapy.
Materials & Methods:
Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography confirmed severely diminished left ventricular ejection fraction and a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction test revealed that the patient was COVID-19 positive during his hospital admission.
Results:
Following initiation of inotropic therapy, we placed an Impella 5.5 for further cardiac support. The patient's LVEF and cardiac index improved after 21 days on the Impella 5.5 and was maintained following explant.
Discussion & Conclusion:
The findings reported here demonstrate successful use of an Impella 5.5 to improve native heart function in refractory cardiogenic shock and further indicate its use as an option for those in acute decompensated heart failure who have tested positive for COVID-19 infection.
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