ECPELLA 2.0-Minimally invasive biventricular groin-free full mechanical circulatory support with Impella 5.0/5.5 pump and ProtekDuo cannula as a bridge-to-bridge concept: A first-in-man method description

Background: Cardiogenic shock (CS) from biventricular heart failure that requires acute mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is associated with high mortality. Different MCS methods and techniques have emerged as a standard of care in CS. Nevertheless, the routine MCS approach carries multiple limitations such as limb ischemia, missing of left ventricular unloading and immobilization. We describe a method to establish a groin-free full support MCS in patients with CS without the need for thoracotomy. This is the first report of the ECPELLA 2.0 concept, a peripheral groin-free biventricular MCS in patients with acute CS.

Methods and results: We discuss two patients in acute CS (INTERMACS I) treated with two peripheral MCS devices (Impella 5.0 or 5.5 surgically via an axillary artery and ProtekDuo cannula percutaneously via a right internal jugular vein) as a bridge before the implantation of a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Biventricular assist device (BIVAD)-support duration was 9 and 15 days and both of the patients were successfully bridged to a durable LVAD. As our BIVAD-concept is groin-free, the patients started full mobilization as early as they were weaned from the respirator 2 days after the BIVAD-implantation. ECPELLA 2.0 provides a high cardiac output, right and left ventricular unloading with end-organ recovery and a possibility of administration of a membrane oxygenator. There were no device-related complications.

Conclusion: The ECPELLA 2.0 biventricular support concept for patients suffering from an acute CS. Allows for rapid extubation, mobilization, and physical exercise while on full support. Additional application of a membrane oxygenator is easily feasible if required.