About the Procedure
Our heart pump, explained
How does Impella CP® with SmartAssist® work? What is involved in a typical Impella CP® supported procedure? What’s the benefit? We’ll explain all of it, as well as what you can expect both during and after the procedure.
How does a Protected PCI work?
Watch our 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.
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 (PPCI) procedure, which is performed by an Interventional Cardiologist.
A PPCI procedure can reduce complications and risks such as death, heart attack, or stroke1,2.
What to Expect During an Impella CP Supported Procedure
- Device Insertion: First, the Impella CP is inserted in the large artery in the pelvis and guided to the left ventricle of the heart.
- 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.
- Monitoring: Throughout the procedure, the patients’ vital signs are closely monitored to ensure the device is effectively supporting heart function.
- 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.
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 methods1,2
- 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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