About the Protected PCI Procedure

How Does a Protected PCI Procedure Work?

Watch this video to learn more about a Protected PCI procedure with Impella CP®. This animation will walk you through what you can expect during the procedure and highlights how the Impella CP device enhances patient outcomes.

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What Impella CP Does and Why

Impella CP temporarily takes over the pumping function of the heart to maintain blood flow to vital organs during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures, such as stenting and atherectomies. The use of an Impella CP in a PCI is called a Protected PCI procedure, which is performed by an interventional cardiologist.

A Protected PCI procedure can reduce complications and risks such as death, heart attack or stroke.^1,2

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What to Expect During an Impella CP Supported Procedure

1. Device Insertion

The Impella CP is inserted in the large artery in the pelvis and guided to the left ventricle of the heart.

2. Pump Activation and Support

Once in place, the Impella CP is powered on and begins pumping blood from the left side of the heart to the rest of the body, including major organs.

3. Monitoring

Throughout the procedure, the patients’ vital signs are closely monitored to ensure the device is effectively supporting heart function.

4. Completion

After the procedure, the patient is gradually weaned off the Impella CP and their heart resumes its pumping function. Impella CP is removed before the patient goes home.

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Find a hospital near you that offers Protected PCI with Impella®.

After the Procedure

Patients may be monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU), cardiac care unit (CCU) or a recovery room immediately after their Impella CP supported procedure. While there the care team will assess cardiac function and ensure that there are no complications. Recovery from Protected PCI can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s underlying condition.

Possible Outcomes of an Impella-Supported Procedure

Improved quality of life: reduction in heart failure symptoms³
Fewer days in the hospital: after the procedure compared to traditional therapy⁴
Reduction in Death, Heart Attack and Stroke: as compared to other support methods^1,2
Fewer Repeat Visits: to the hospital for heart-related issues³

References

Abu-Much, S., Danenberg, A., & Blieden, M. (2024). Advancements in heart failure therapies: What the future holds. American Heart Journal, 269, 139-148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ahj.2023.12.015
Zeitouni, N., Goei, A. H., & Lima, J. A. (2022). Mechanisms of coronary artery disease progression: Insights from imaging and biomarkers. Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions, 15(5), e011534. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.121.011534
Wollmuth, J., et al. (2022). Cardiac interventions for heart disease. Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, 1(5), 100350–100350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jscai.2022.100350
Lansky, A. J., Spertus, J. A., & Weber, J. (2022). Cardiovascular outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A review of current evidence. The American Journal of Cardiology, 169, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2022.08.032

As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. Only a physician can determine whether Impella is an option for High-Risk PCI and would be an appropriate course of treatment. There are potential risks including acute renal dysfunction, aortic valve injury, bleeding, cardiogenic shock, cerebral vascular accident/stroke, death, hemolysis, limb ischemia, myocardial infarction, renal failure, thrombocytopenia and cardiac or vascular injury (including ventricular perforation). These risks need to be discussed with your doctor and recovery takes time. The success of this procedure depends on many factors, including your physical condition and your body’s ability to tolerate the procedure. Use care in the selection of your doctors and hospital, based on their skill and experience.

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