A novel percutaneous mechanical biventricular bridge to recovery in severe cardiac allograft rejection

We describe the case of a 36-year-old man with acute cardiac transplant rejection bridged to recovery using simultaneous Impella 2.5 and TandemHeart percutaneous support devices. The patient underwent orthotopic cardiac transplantation 2 years earlier, and presented to our hospital with allograft failure 7 days after non-compliance with tacrolimus. Because of persistent cardiogenic shock despite intra-aortic balloon and inotropic support, we implanted an Impella 2.5 percutaneous assist device for left ventricular support. Persistent right ventricular dysfunction necessitated insertion of a TandemHeart for right ventricular support. After a course of intravenous solumedrol and anti-thymocyte globulin, both the Impella and TandemHeart devices were successfully weaned and removed. Nine months later, his left ventricular ejection fraction had stabilized from 10% to 55%.