Prolonged Use of an Impella Assist Device in a Sepsis-Induced Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report

Abstract

The inflammatory response triggered by sepsis can frequently cause reversible myocardial depression termed sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. The resulting pathologic changes are often self-limiting and cardiac function returns to baseline following resolution of the underlying exacerbating factors. The following case examines a patient with septic shock and sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy that, despite maximal medical therapy, required mechanical support with an Impella assist device for seven days. To the best of our knowledge and research, this represents the longest documented use of an Impella heart pump in septic shock and associated sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. Utilization of mechanical support in the setting of septic shock has seen growing interest in recent years, but more structured studies need to be conducted for better understanding of their overall effect on morbidity and mortality.