Impella
Impella is a sophisticated heart assist device designed to support patients with severe heart failure or those undergoing high-risk cardiac procedures. It provides temporary mechanical circulatory support by directly pumping blood from the left ventricle to the aorta, helping the heart maintain adequate blood flow and reduce its workload.
How Does Impella Work?
The Impella device is inserted through a catheter, typically through the femoral artery in the groin, and is guided to the left ventricle of the heart. Once in place, the device’s small pump draws blood from the left ventricle and propels it into the aorta. This action assists the heart in maintaining sufficient blood circulation, which is crucial during severe heart conditions or complex cardiac interventions.
Benefits of Impella
- Provides Immediate Support: Offers critical assistance to the heart, improving blood flow and reducing the strain on the heart muscle.
- Enhances Procedure Safety: Improves patient outcomes during high-risk cardiac procedures by ensuring stable hemodynamics.
- Minimally Invasive: Inserted through a catheter, it reduces the need for open-heart surgery and shortens recovery time compared to traditional methods.
When is Impella Used?
Impella is typically used in situations where the heart is unable to pump effectively due to severe heart failure, cardiogenic shock, or during high-risk cardiac procedures such as complex coronary interventions. It is also utilized as a bridge to recovery or to transplant for patients with advanced heart conditions.
Why Choose Impella?
Impella provides vital support to patients with severe heart conditions by enhancing blood flow and reducing the heart’s workload. Its minimally invasive nature and effectiveness in critical situations make it a valuable tool for improving patient outcomes and safety during complex cardiac procedures.