Clinical outcomes of hundred large Impella implantations in cardiogenic shock patients based on individual clinical scenarios

Background Large Impella systems (5.0 or 5.5; i.e., Impella 5+) (Abiomed Inc., Danvers, MA, USA) help achieve better clinical outcomes through relevant left ventricular unloading in acute cardiogenic shock (CS). Here, we report our experience with Impella 5+, while focusing on the clinical outcomes depending on individual case scenarios in patients with acute CS. Methods This single‐center retrospective observational study included 100 Impella 5+ implantations conducted on patients with acute CS from November 2018 to October 2021. After excluding 10 reimplantation cases, 90 cases were enrolled for further analysis. Results In‐hospital and 30‐day mortality rates were 56.7% (n = 51) and 48.9% (n = 44), respectively. In‐hospital mortality was lower in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than in non‐AMI patients (p = 0.07). Young age and low lactate levels were the independent predictors of successful transition and survival after permanent mechanical circulatory support/heart transplantation (pMCS/HTX) (age, p = 0.03; lactate level, p = 0.04; survived after pMCS/HTX, n = 11; died on Impella, n = 41). During simultaneous utilization of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy and Impella 5+, termed ECMELLA therapy, high dose of noradrenaline was a predictive factor for in‐hospital mortality by multivariate analysis (n = 0.02). Conclusions Our results suggest that enhanced Impella support might have better clinical outcomes among acute CS patients supported with large Impella, those with AMI than those with no AMI. Young age and low lactate levels were predictors of successful bridging to pMCS/HTX and favorable clinical outcomes thereafter. The clinical outcomes of ECMELLA therapy might depend on noradrenaline dose at the time of Impella 5+ implantation. The enhanced Impella support might have better clinical outcomes in patients with large Impella, those with AMI than those with no AMI. Young age and low lactate levels were predictors of successful bridging to pMCS/HTX and favorable clinical outcomes thereafter. The clinical outcomes of ECMELLA therapy might depend on noradrenaline dose at the time of Impella 5+ implantation.