Doctors call the Impella a percutaneous ventricular assist device. It keeps the heart working in two situations: during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and following cardiogenic shock.... The Impella device is a catheter-based miniaturized ventricular assist device that pumps blood from left ventricle (LV) into ascending aorta and responsible for systemic circulation at an upper rate between 2.5 and 5.0 L/min.

Understanding the Context

There are various Impella® devices available based on the amount of forward flow your patient requires, ranging from 2.5L of CO to full support at 5.5L seen with the Impella 5.5®. There also exists an Impella specifically for patients experiencing RV failure (Impella RP®). Impella can serve as a short-term bridge to recovery, heart transplant, or implantation of a long-term heart support device. University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center cardiology specialists have years of experience using Impella and other artificial heart pumps.

Key Insights

This revolutionary one-stop treatment solution allows patients to undergo procedures for aneurysm repair, valve replacements and shunt closure devices in a room integrated with the latest imaging devices.