Abstract 11115: Impella Preserves Systemic, Coronary, and Cerebral Blood Flows During Ventricular Fibrillation by Establishing the Acute Fontan Circulation

Abstract

Introduction: The ventricular fibrillation (VF) often occurs in acute heart failure patients with Impella support, percutaneous transvalvular left ventricular assist device. Although Impella can preserve blood pressure in some VF patients, the hemodynamic mechanism of Impella during VF remains unclear. Aim: In this study, we examined the impact of Impella on hemodynamics and cerebral and coronary blood flows in a goat model of VF. We also addressed the optimal blood volume status to maintain the Impella circulation during VF. Methods: In six goats, we inserted Impella CP via the left carotid artery. We simultaneously recorded right (RAP) and left atrial pressure (LAP), central blood pressure at ascending aorta (CBP), and the blood flows of pulmonary artery (PA), left coronary circumflex artery (LCX), and right carotid artery (CA). The VF was induced by direct current. We compared the impact of Impella support level (P0, P4 and P8) on hemodynamics and each blood flow. Under P8-Impella supported VF condition, we withdrew blood continuously and observed the left ventricular (LV) suction point at which a frequent negative LV pressure occurred. Results: As shown in Fig. 1 and 2, Impella maintained hemodynamics flow-dependently, indicating the establishment of acute Fontan circulation. In P8-Impella support, systemic (PA flow), LCX and CA blood flows were preserved by 50.1±27.7, 50.7±12.5 and 67.3±5.6%. from baseline, respectively. The blood volume reduction induced the suction of Impella (Fig. 3) at RAP below 9.9±1.9 mmHg. Conclusions: Impella establishes the acute Fontan circulation and preserves hemodynamics including coronary and cerebral blood flows during VF. The optimal blood volume status should be considered to maintain the Impella operation during VF.