During a protected stenting procedure, the Impella heart pump is placed in your heart, temporarily, to assist the pumping function while your physician performs the necessary treatment (angioplasty, stent placement, etc.).
What is the Impella device?
Impella is the only FDA-approved, non-surgical heart pump proven safe and effective to assist the pumping function of the heart during stent placement and ensure blood flow is maintained to critical organs. A protected stenting procedure reduces the risk of complications, decreases repeat heart procedures and improves quality of life.
What is the placement procedure?
The Impella heart pump is placed by an interventional cardiologist using standard non-surgical techniques. The device is inserted through a small incision and advanced through the arteries and into the heart. Once in place, the Impella heart pump is turned on. The Impella heart pump pulls blood from the left ventricle and releases it into the aorta, providing pumping support to the left ventricle. This active ‘unloading’ of the left ventricle increases blood flow to the brain and other vital organs and protects the kidneys from acute injury.
When your heart is strong enough to pump on its own and the Impella Heart Pump is no longer needed, your cardiologist will remove it (before you go home from the hospital).
