The intelligent Impella: Future perspectives of artificial intelligence in the setting of Impella support

AIMS

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a potential useful tool to support clinical treatment of heart failure, including the setting of mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Modern Impella pumps are equipped with advanced technology (SmartAssist), enabling real-time acquisition and display of data related to both pump performance and the patient's haemodynamic status. These data emerge as an 'ideal' source for data-driven AI applications to predict the clinical course of an ongoing therapeutic protocol. Yet, no evidence of effective application of AI tools in the setting of Impella support is available. On this background, we aimed at identifying possible future applications of AI-based tools in the setting of temporary MCS with an Impella device.

METHODS

We explored the state of research and development at the intersection of AI and Impella support and derived future potential applications of AI in routine Impella clinical management.

RESULTS

We identified different areas where the future implementation of AI tools may contribute to addressing important clinical challenges in the setting of Impella support, including (i) early identification of the best suited pathway of care according to patients' conditions at presentation and intention to treat, (ii) prediction of therapy outcomes according to different possible therapeutic actions, (iii) optimization of device implantation procedures and evaluation of proper pump position over the whole course of support and (iv) prevention and/or rationale management of haemocompatibility-related adverse events. For each of those areas, we discuss the potential advantages, challenges and implications of harnessing AI-driven insights in the setting of MCS with an Impella device.

CONCLUSIONS

Temporary MCS with an Impella device has great potential to benefit from the integration of AI-based tools. Such tools may indeed translate into groundbreaking innovation supporting clinical decision-making and therapy regulation, in particular in complex scenarios such as the multidevice MCS strategy.

What the pediatric nurse needs to know about the Impella cardiac assist device

Background: Cardiogenic shock in children still carries a high mortality risk despite advances in medical therapy. The use of temporary mechanical circulatory supports is an accepted strategy to bridge patients with acute heart failure to recovery, decision, transplantation or destination therapy. These devices are however limited in children and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains the most commonly used device. Veno-arterial ECMO may provide adequate oxygen delivery, but it does not significantly unload the left ventricle, and this may prevent recovery. To improve the likelihood of left ventricular recovery and minimize the invasiveness of mechanical support, the Impella axial pump has been increasingly used in children with acute heart failure in the last decade. Purpose: There are still limited data describing the Impella indications, management and outcomes in children, therefore, we aimed to provide a comprehensive narrative review useful for the pediatric nurses to be adequately trained and acquire specific competencies in Impella management.

ECMO and Impella Support Strategies as a Bridge to Surgical Repair of Post-Infarction Ventricular Septal Rupture

Background and Objectives: Post-infarct ventricular septal rupture (PIVSR) continues to have significant morbidity and mortality, despite decreased prevalence. Impella and venoarterial extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (VA-ECMO) have been proposed as strategies to correct hemodynamic derangements and bridge patients to delayed operative repair when success rates are higher. This review places VA-ECMO and Impella support strategies in the context of bridging patients to successful PIVSR repair, with an additional case report of successful bridging with the Impella device. Materials and Methods: We report a case of PIVSR repair utilizing 14 days of Impella support. We additionally conducted a systematic review of contemporary literature to describe the application of VA-ECMO and Impella devices in the pre-operative period prior to surgical PIVSR correction. Expert commentary on the advantages and disadvantages of each of these techniques is provided. Results: We identified 19 studies with 72 patients undergoing VA-ECMO as a bridge to PIVSR repair and 6 studies with 11 patients utilizing an Impella device as a bridge to PIVSR repair. Overall, outcomes in both groups were better than expected from patients who were historically managed with medicine and balloon pump therapy, however there was a significant heterogeneity between studies. Impella provided for excellent left ventricular unloading, but did result in some concerns for reversal of shunting. VA-ECMO resulted in improved end-organ perfusion, but carried increased risks of device-related complications and requirement for additional ventricular unloading. Conclusions: Patients presenting with PIVSR in cardiogenic shock requiring a MCS bridge to definitive surgical repair continue to pose a challenge to the multidisciplinary cardiovascular team as the diverse presentation and management issues require individualized care plans. Both VA-ECMO and the Impella family of devices play a role in the contemporary management of PIVSR and offer distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on the clinical scenario. The limited case numbers reported demonstrate feasibility, safety, and recommendations for optimal management.

Use of Transcarotid IMPELLA 2.5 Axial-Flow Pump Device for Left Ventricle Unloading During VA-ECMO Support in Pediatric Acute Heart Failure

An alternative strategy for left ventricular (LV) venting during short-term mechanical circulatory support is use of Impella axial-flow pump. We present our transcarotid Impella 2.5 implantation technique using a polytetrafluoroethylene graft, in two children with acute heart failure treated primarily with venoarterial ECMO. The venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator and Impella support were maintained for 5 and 17 days, respectively. Transcarotid Impella implantation might be an alternative and feasible option in pediatrics patients affected by severe LV failure, as a bridge to decision or bridge to candidacy. Potentially, the Impella 2.5 device provides less invasive support for children with heart failure.