Standardization of In-Vitro Evaluation of Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) Devices for Research and Development

April 5, 2026 No Comments

This guideline article argues that extracorporeal life support device testing should follow standardized in-vitro protocols so results can be reproduced, compared across research groups, and translated more effectively into practice. It outlines reporting criteria, relevant ISO standards, preferred test conditions, and key considerations for pumps, oxygenators, cannulae, tubing, hemolysis, and thrombogenicity assessment.

Mechanical Circulatory Support in Cardiogenic Shock: A Contemporary Head-to-Head Comparison

March 28, 2026 No Comments

This mini review compares the three main temporary mechanical circulatory support options for cardiogenic shock: Impella, venoarterial extracorporeal life support (VA-ECLS), and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). It explains each device’s physiology, indications, risks, and evidence base, then proposes practical algorithms for selection, escalation, de-escalation, and anticoagulation to help clinicians tailor support to shock severity and cause.

OCEAN Trial Crossroads: M-TEER in Advanced Heart Failure

Outcomes of Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair in Potentially Favorable Candidates for Left Ventricular Assist Device: Evidence From the OCEAN-Mitral Registry

March 26, 2026 No Comments

This study evaluated mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) in advanced heart failure patients who might otherwise have been reasonable candidates for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. Among 129 such patients from the OCEAN-Mitral Registry, procedural success was high at 96%, but long-term outcomes were less reassuring, especially in those with marked left ventricular enlargement. Larger LV size predicted cardiovascular death after M-TEER.

Global Bridge to Heart Transplant With Prolonged Impella 5.5 Support

Impact of Prolonged Impella 5.5 Support on Post-Transplant Outcomes: An Institutional Study

March 26, 2026 No Comments

This institutional retrospective study evaluated 72 patients bridged to heart transplant with the Impella 5.5 and compared outcomes for support durations of 14 days or less versus more than 14 days. Prolonged support did not worsen 1-year survival, graft rejection, length of stay, or major complications. Although rehospitalization within a year was common, overall survival was excellent, supporting extended Impella 5.5 use as a safe bridge-to-transplant strategy.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) Versus Impella for Cardiogenic Shock: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

February 24, 2026 No Comments

This systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 observational studies (5,364 patients) compared Impella and VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock. No significant difference in short-term mortality was found (RR 0.92). However, Impella was associated with lower risks of stroke, major bleeding, and limb ischemia. Evidence certainty was very low due to confounding bias. Device selection should be individualized pending randomized trials.

Clinical and Preclinical Evidence on a Novel Percutaneous Pulsatile Ventricular Assist Device (PulseCath): Protocol for a Scoping Review

May 13, 2025 No Comments

This protocol outlines a scoping review to explore the clinical and preclinical applications of PulseCath, a novel percutaneous pulsatile ventricular assist device. Designed to bridge the gap between intra-aortic balloon pumps and Impella systems, PulseCath offers intermediate support for patients with hemodynamic instability. The review will systematically evaluate its hemodynamic effects, pathophysiological basis, and safety profile.

Multicentre Comparison of Various Microaxial Pump Devices as a Bridge to Durable Assist Device Implantation

April 4, 2025 No Comments

This multicentre retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness of different microaxial flow pump (mAFP) devices—mainly Impella CP (3.5 L/min) and Impella 5+ (>5 L/min)—used to stabilize patients with severe heart failure before durable LVAD implantation. High-flow mAFPs were associated with improved hemodynamic support, reduced complications (e.g., renal/liver failure, RVAD use), and better mobilization, although 30-day mortality did not differ significantly between groups.

Perioperative Mechanical Circulatory Support: Transitioning from Sequential to Parallel Recovery

February 7, 2025 No Comments

This editorial explores the evolution of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in perioperative cardiac care. It discusses advancements in venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and micro-axial flow pumps, highlighting the shift from sequential to parallel recovery. The article emphasizes early MCS intervention, left ventricular unloading, and minimizing adverse events. Insights from the DanGer Shock trial suggest improved survival with early MCS use, but further research is needed for perioperative applications.

Clinical Outcomes of Cardiac Transplantation in Heart Failure Patients with Previous Mechanical Cardiocirculatory Support

January 18, 2025 No Comments

This study evaluates the long-term outcomes of heart failure patients undergoing cardiac transplantation with prior left ventricular assist device (LVAD) use as a bridge-to-transplant (BTT) compared to direct-to-transplant (DTT). The findings indicate similar survival rates at 1 and 7 years post-transplant in both groups. Although LVADs increase surgical complexity and incidence of cerebrovascular events, they do not negatively affect overall outcomes, supporting their viability in advanced heart failure care.

The Role of Impella in the Pre-Procedural Management of Post-Infarct Ventricular Septal Defect: A Systematic Review

December 17, 2024 No Comments

This systematic review explores the use of the Impella device in patients with post-infarct ventricular septal defect (VSD) prior to definitive treatment. Analyzing 68 patients across 20 studies, the Impella improved hemodynamic stability, reduced left ventricular strain, and delayed urgent intervention. Patients with surgically-placed Impella devices showed lower mortality and fewer complications compared to percutaneous alternatives. While effective, complications like bleeding and hemolysis must be carefully managed.