The Successful Rotor Wing Transport of 2 Patients Requiring Biventricular Impella Support: A Case Series and Review

Abstract

Despite many advances in care, the mortality rate for cardiogenic shock remains high. Because the medical management of patients with cardiogenic shock is limited, many patients often require mechanical circulatory support. As such, cardiogenic shock patients requiring percutaneous ventricular support devices such as the Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) may be encountered by critical care transport crews with increasing frequency. Recently, biventricular Impella support has been described as a mechanical support strategy for biventricular failure. This case series describes the successful rotor wing transport of 2 patients with severe cardiogenic shock requiring biventricular Impella support and presents a review of Impella RP (Abiomed) and biventricular Impella support devices for the critical care transport medicine clinician.