Left Ventricular Unloading by Impella Device during Extracorporeal Life Support

Objectives: Implanting venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in cardiogenic shock allows patient bridging to decision. Left ventricular (LV) unloading is needed in patients with LV akinesia, developing pulmonary edema or LV thrombosis. An Impella (IP) is used for unloading the left ventricle in inotrope refractory akinesia. In patients treated with the combination of VA-ECMO and IP, we sought to determine clinical variables associated to 30-day mortality.