Switching to Impella 5.0 decreases need for transfusion in patients undergoing temporary mechanical circulatory support

PURPOSE: Various options of temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) exist for the treatment of cardiogenic shock, however, all forms of tMCS carry a risk of complications. The aim of this study was to compare bleeding complications and thromboembolic events under extracorporeal life support + Impella 2.5/CP (ECMELLA) and isolated Impella 5.0 therapy in the same patient cohort.

MATERIAL: We retrospectively analyzed data of patients who underwent ECMELLA implantation and subsequent Impella 5.0 therapy. Implantation strategy and anticoagulation protocol were comparable in both groups.

RESULTS: We included 15 patients (mean age 57.2 years; 80% of male patients) who were weaned from ECMELLA undergoing subsequent Impella 5.0 implantation. Mean duration of ECMELLA and Impella 5.0 therapy (10.5 vs. 11.2 days) did not differ significantly (p = .731). The average number of transfused packed red blood cells (PRBC) and thrombocyte concentrates (TC) was significantly decreased during Impella 5.0 treatment (PRBC: 30.3 vs 12.3, p = .001; TC: 5.9 vs 2.2, p = .045). Additionally, the transfusion rates per day were significantly reduced under Impella 5.0 support.

CONCLUSIONS: The need for transfusions is significantly lower in the phase of Impella 5.0 therapy compared to the initial phase on ECMELLA. Therefore, we recommend replacing ECMELLA by an Impella 5.0 device early, if possible.