First high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention under use of the iVAC2l system in Germany

Comparison of a pulsatile and a continuous flow left ventricular assist device in high-risk PCI

BACKGROUND

Mechanical circulatory support devices are able to generate additional cardiac output or maintain sufficient circulation during high-risk PCI. We prospectively compared the hemodynamic and clinical performance of the new iVAC2L® device with the Impella 2.5® device during high-risk PCI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 40 patients [10 female, age 75 ± 8 years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 44 ± 11%] high-risk PCIs were performed under iVAC (n = 20) or Impella (n = 20) support. Hemodynamic parameters were collected before and after device placement as well as immediately after PCI. Blood parameters of hemolysis were analyzed before and after support.

RESULTS

Correct device placement was achieved in 17 patients (85%) under iVAC use and in 19 patients (95%) under Impella use. PCI success was 98%. Under iVAC2L® support, systolic, diastolic and mean aortic blood pressure increased significantly with increasing support time. In contrast, aortic pressure increased directly under Impella support, but the increase was comparable between both devices. Impella support generated a significantly higher additional blood flow, as compared to iVAC support (2.07 ± 0.09 l/min vs. 1.25 ± 0.05 l/min, p < 0.001). Five patients (iVAC n = 3) suffered from critical events during high-risk PCI, but both devices were able to maintain stable hemodynamic conditions. After PCI, one severe bleeding occurred in each group. After Impella support, haptoglobin was significantly decreased, indicating potential hemolysis.

CONCLUSIONS

High-risk PCIs under support by both devices are feasible and safe and ensure stable hemodynamic conditions also if complications occur. Aortic pressure increases significantly with both devices, but later under iVAC use. Potential hemolysis occurs more frequent under Impella support.

Effectiveness and Safety of a Prolonged Hemodynamic Support by the IVAC2L System in Healthy and Cardiogenic Shock Pigs

Background

Mechanical circulatory supports are used in case of cardiogenic shock (CS) refractory to conventional therapy. Several devices can be employed, but are limited by their availability, benefit risk-ratio, and/or cost.

Aims

To investigate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a long-term support by a new available device (IVAC2L) in pigs.

Methods

Experiments were carried out in male pigs, divided into healthy (n = 6) or ischemic CS (n = 4) groups for a median support time of 34 and 12 h, respectively. IVAC2L was implanted under fluoroscopic and TTE guidance under general anesthesia. CS was induced by surgical ligation of the left anterior descending artery. An ipsilateral lower limb reperfusion was created with the Solopath® system. Reperfusion was started after 1 h of support in healthy pigs and upon IVAC2L insertion in CS pigs. Hemodynamic and biological parameters were monitored before and during the whole period of support in each group.

Results

Occurrence of an ipsilateral lower limb ischemia was systematic in healthy and CS pigs in a few minutes after IVAC2L implantation, and could be reversed by the arterial reperfusion, as demonstrated by distal transcutaneous pressure in oxygen (TcPO₂) and lactate normalization. IVAC2L support decreased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) (15.3 ± 0.3 vs. 7.5 ± 0.9 mmHg, p < 0.001), increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) (70 ± 4.5 vs. 101.3 ± 3.1 mmHg, p < 0.01), and cardiac output (CO) (4.0 ± 0.3 vs. 5.2 ± 0.6 l/min, p < 0.05) in CS pigs; at CS onset and after 12 h of support, without effects on heart rate or pulmonary artery pressure (PAP). Non-sustained ventricular arrhythmias were frequent at implantation (50%). A non-significant hemolysis was observed under support in CS pigs. Bleedings were frequent at the insertion and/or operating sites (30%).

Conclusion

Long-term support by IVAC2L is feasible and associated with a significant hemodynamic improvement in a porcine model. These preclinical data open the door for a study of IVAC2L in human ischemic CS, keeping in mind the need for systematic reperfusion of the lower limb and the associated risk of bleeding.

PulseCath iVAC2L: next-generation pulsatile mechanical circulatory support

Contemporary state of the art percutaneous coronary intervention techniques offer treatment strategies and solutions to an increasing number of patients with heart failure and complex coronary artery disease. Percutaneous mechanical circulatory support is intended to alleviate the mechanical and energetic workload imposed to a failing ventricle by reducing left ventricle pressures and volumes and potentially also increasing coronary blood flow. The PulseCath iVAC2L is a transaortic left ventricular assist device that applies a pneumatic driving system to produce pulsatile forward flow. Herein, the essential aspects regarding iVAC2L are discussed with focus on its mechanisms of action and the available clinical experience.

Management of cardiogenic shock in patients with acute coronary syndromes

Cardiogenic shock remains a major problem affecting a large proportion of patients with acute coronary syndromes, with a persistent high mortality rate. Although mechanical reperfusion with percutaneous coronary intervention has improved outcomes following acute coronary syndromes, there is limited evidence supporting the other current treatments used to manage patients with cardiogenic shock (intra-aortic balloon pumps, percutaneous left ventricular assist devices and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). This article looks at these options, assessing current evidence and recent advances. It also discusses areas that still require research to ensure there is improvement in these high-risk patients, such as coordinated regionalised approaches to cardiogenic shock management with multidisciplinary care provided in designated tertiary shock centres.

First successful prevention of cardiopulmonary resuscitation during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention by use of a pulsatile left ventricular assist device: baptism of fire of the iVAC2L device: a case report

Introduction

Efforts in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) lead to interventional treatment of complex stenoses as an alternative to coronary bypass surgery. Nevertheless, complications during PCI can occur with sudden need for circulatory support. Circulatory support devices are helpful tools during high-risk PCI to generate additional output or maintain sufficient circulation in critical situations.

Case description

We report the case of the first successful prevention of cardiopulmonary resuscitation by use of transfemoral pulsatile ventricular assist device with up to 2l additional cardiac output during a high-risk PCI in an 80-year old man with complex stenosis and a history of ventricular fibrillation during prior coronary angiography.

Discussion

The device managed to maintain an adequate circulation during massive vasospasm and bradycardia. The iVAC2L seems to be a useful tool in high-risk PCI. Its general effect on haemodynamics and patients' outcome has to be evaluated in larger multi-centre studies.