Percutaneous Biventricular Mechanical Circulatory Support With Impella CP and Protek Duo Plus TandemHeart

Abstract

This is the first reported case of full biventricular mechanical circulatory support with the combination of Impella and Protek Duo, which is a dual-lumen cannula inserted via the right internal jugular vein, with its proximal inflow lumen positioned in the right atrium and distal lumen positioned in the main pulmonary artery. These lumens are connected with the paracorporeal TandemHeart pump allowing flows up to 5 L/min. The alternative percutaneous option for right ventricular support is the Impella RP (Abiomed), which has to be placed in the femoral vein, preventing ambulation. The axillary and internal jugular vein positions for devices are probably less prone to infection compared to the femoral area. The combination of an Impella inserted via the axillary artery with the Protek Duo is a viable option, allowing ambulation while providing biventricular support.

Keywords: cardiac imaging; mechanical circulatory support.