Impella LD microaxial pump supporting combined mitral and coronary surgery in a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy. A short bridge to recovery?

Cardiac surgeons have to face the problem of impaired left ventricle function in patients undergoing routine valve or coronary procedures. The intra-aortic balloon pump is not always effective in preventing cardiac failure. The idea of using a microaxial rotating pump as a short-term perioperative support seems to be a convenient solution. The case of a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing combined mitral and coronary surgery with elective use of the Impella LD pump is presented. Various options of applying the Impella device are discussed, especially as a bridge to transplant or bridge to recovery.