Use of the Impella 2.5 in high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract

The Impella 2.5 is a percutaneously placed partial circulatory assist device that is increasingly being used in high-risk coronary interventional procedures to provide hemodynamic support. The Impella 2.5 is able to unload the left ventricle rapidly and effectively and increase cardiac outputmore than an intra-aortic balloon catheter can. Potential complications include bleeding, limb ischemia, hemolysis, and infection. One community hospital's approach to establishing amultidisciplinary program for use of the Impella 2.5 is described. © 2011 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.