Impella Induced Massive Hemolysis: Reemphasizing Echocardiographic Guidance for Correct Placement

The Impella LP 2.5 (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) has been a tool of use for high risk coronary procedures and for cardiogenic shock. As with any invasive or intracardiac device, improper placement can result in disastrous complications. Hemolytic anemia secondary to Impella implantation is one of the docu...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Shaun Cardozo, Tasneem Ahmed, Kevin Belgrave
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2015-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Cardiology
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/464135
Description
Summary:The Impella LP 2.5 (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) has been a tool of use for high risk coronary procedures and for cardiogenic shock. As with any invasive or intracardiac device, improper placement can result in disastrous complications. Hemolytic anemia secondary to Impella implantation is one of the documented complications. However, cases of severe hemolytic anemia are rare in the literature. Proven imaging modalities like ultrasound need to be used to guide proper placement. We present a case of device induced severe hemolysis due to Impella insertion and the need to use ultrasound guidance to avoid such an unnecessary complication.
ISSN:2090-6404
2090-6412