Protected complex high-risk indicated percutaneous coronary intervention in severe left ventricular dysfunction: an...

Ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction (ILVD) is the leading cause of heart failure and is commonly encountered in cardiac catheterization laboratories. Patients presenting with ILVD are typically older and often have complex coronary anatomy, making revascularization challenging. Although coronary artery bypass grafting improves long-term survival in patients with ILVD compared with medical therapy, the benefit emerges only after a decade and appears limited to younger patients, leaving many older, frail, or comorbid individuals at untenable risk. Such patients are frequently considered for complex high-risk indicated percutaneous coronary intervention (CHIP), where the primary determinant of procedural risk is intra-procedural haemodynamic instability due to limited ventricular reserve and anticipated prolonged ischaemia. Registry data underscore the heightened risk in patients with multiple CHIP features, including ejection fraction ≤30%, left main or multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention, and extensive calcification. Here, temporary mechanical circulatory support has emerged as a strategy to mitigate haemodynamic compromise during CHIP procedures. Although trial data have demonstrated no early benefit with the intra-aortic balloon pump, long-term follow-up suggests improved survival. Alternatively, microaxial flow pumps, such as Impella™, can offer robust haemodynamic support and a reduction in late major adverse events. Although results from the ongoing randomized clinical trials with Impella are pending, careful Heart Team evaluation and procedural planning remain essential to ensure the best possible patient outcomes. Here, we illustrate a structured approach to Impella-supported CHIP in an elderly patient with the presence of ILVD, severely impaired ventricular reserve, and heavily calcified multivessel disease.