Utilization of the Impella 2.5 micro-axial pump in children for acute circulatory support

Abstract

Percutaneous circulatory support is widely available for use in adult patients. Options remain limited in the pediatric population due to limitations of vessel and patient size, resulting in the use of more invasive means of circulatory support. We present a case series of pediatric patients in whom the Impella 2.5 axial flow pump was able to be placed utilizing a hybrid approach that allowed for adequate distal perfusion while providing successful short-term hemodynamic support.

Keywords: congestive heart failure; pediatric interventions; ventricular support devices.