Use of the Impella 2.5 system alone, after and in combination with an intra-aortic balloon pump in patients with cardiogenic shock: case description and review of the literature

Cardiogenic shock remains a serious complication of acute myocardial infarction as it is associated with very poor prognosis. Despite the historical clinical benefits of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), in some patients additional mechanical cardiac support is necessary. The recent introduction of the percutaneous Impella® 2.5 mechanical circulatory support system (Abiomed Inc., Danvers, MA, USA) represents a major advancement and has been used in these circumstances. Nevertheless, the data supporting the use of this technology alone, after, or in combination with the IABP in patients with cardiogenic shock is limited and the clinical benefits remain unproven. We herein provide an updated comprehensive overview of the literature supporting the use of the Impella 2.5 system compared to the use of IABP in patients with cardiogenic shock. We also discuss the potential role for combination therapy for a patient with refractory shock. We describe a case in which an IABP was used as a bail-out strategy to provide additional haemodynamic support in a patient with refractory cardiogenic shock after the Impella 2.5 system was in place. In selected cases of refractory cardiogenic shock, the use of combined therapy with both the the Impella 2.5 and IABP can provide enhanced circulatory support and could be considered an option to maintain haemodynamic support in these patients.