Successful exceptionally long-time support with an Impella assist device 5.5 ^® as a bridge to left ventricular assist device-implantation: Case report

Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy or ischemic cardiomyopathy and severe ventricular dysfunction with acute-on chronic cardiogenic shock oftentimes requires a temporarily mechanical support as a bridge to heart transplantation or implantation of a permanent left ventricular assist device. Herein, we report a middle-age patient with refractory acute-on chronic cardiogenic shock supported by a low-invasive left ventricle assist device Impella 5.5 ^® for the longest known duration in the literature as a successful bridge to left ventricular assist device implantation. While Impella support, the patient remained extubated and conscious, received regular physical therapy and was mobile on the ward. He wanted to wait as long as possible for an heart transplantation. Since waiting for a suitable donor organ any longer was no realistic option, a permanent left ventricular assist device was implanted successfully with over 1 year follow-up.