Long-term safety and sustained left ventricular recovery: long-term results of percutaneous left ventricular support with Impella LP2.5 in ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
OBJECTIVE
Mechanical left ventricular (LV) unloading may reduce infarct size when combined with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The Impella LP2.5 is a novel percutaneous left ventricular assist device. Although the short-term safety and feasibility of this device have been demonstrated, the long-term effects are unknown. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the long-term effects of the Impella LP2.5 support on the aortic valve and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).


RESULTS
In 2006, 10 patients with anterior STEMI received 3-day support with the Impella LP2.5 after PCI. The control group consisted of 10 comparable patients, treated according to routine care. For the current study, echocardiography was performed and adverse events were recorded. Mean duration of follow-up was 2.9±0.6 years in the Impella group and 3.0±0.3 years in the control group. No differences in aortic valve abnormalities and LVEF were demonstrated between the groups; nevertheless, LVEF increase from baseline was significantly greater in Impella-treated patients (23.6±8.9% versus 6.7±7.0%, P=0.008).


CONCLUSIONS
Three-day support with the Impella LP2.5 is not associated with adverse effects on the aortic valve at long-term follow-up. LVEF was similar in both groups; however, recovery was significantly greater in the Impella group.
Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Annemarie E
AE
Engström
Annemarie
A
Engström
Krischan D
KD
Sjauw
Krischan
K
Sjauw
Jan
J
Baan
Maurice
M
Remmelink
Bimmer E P M
BE
Claessen
Bimmer
B
Claessen
Wouter J
WJ
Kikkert
Wouter
W
Kikkert
Loes P C
LP
Hoebers
Loes
L
Hoebers
Marije M
MM
Vis
Marije
M
Vis
Karel T
KT
Koch
Karel
K
Koch
Martijn M
MM
Meuwissen
Martijn
M
Meuwissen
Jan G P
JG
Tijssen
Jan
J
Tijssen
Robbert J
RJ
De Winter
Robbert
R
De Winter
Jan J
JJ
Piek
Jan
J
Piek
José P S
JP
Henriques
José
J
Henriques
D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000503:physiopathology; D004452:Echocardiography; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left