Switch to a bicarbonate-based Impella CP™ purge solution in a patient with haemothorax: a case report

Percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS) by an Impella™ device implies the initiation of systemic anticoagulation to prevent systemic thrombotic complications and a purge fluid to prevent device blockage. Traditionally, unfractionated heparin (UFH) was used for both. In April 2022, the use of bicarbonate-based purge solution (BBPS) as an alternative to UFH in dextrose solution was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in case of contraindications for UFH.

We present the case of a 73-year-old female that was admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit with cardiogenic shock, requiring upgrade with pMCS by an axillary Impella CP™. When she developed a severe haemothorax, all UFH was stopped and the purge was switched to BBPS-dextrose solution without increase in purge pressures nor development of haemolysis. The bleeding stagnated and the patient could be weaned from the Impella™ after 2 days.

Here, we present the first case report of the switch to BBPS in an Impella CP™ supported patient with major bleeding since the FDA approval in April 2022. The switch to BBSP in addition with the administration of platelets and protamine resulted in cessation of the bleeding in this case.