A Novel Approach for Simultaneous Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Left Ventricular Decompression Therapy with Impella (ECPella)

Percutaneously placed veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is commonly used to support patients with refractory cardiac arrhythmias or arrest and worsening cardiogenic shock (CS). Peripheral VA-ECMO by retrograde flow of blood in the aorta results in a significant increase in left ventricle (LV) afterload. A severely dysfunctional LV may be unable to overcome this afterload to open the aortic valve and unload itself. This may lead to LV distension, increased left ventricular pressure, poor coronary blood circulation, increased left atrial pressures, pulmonary edema, and pulmonary hypertension. Moreover, it jeopardizes ventricular recovery, particularly in the presence of ischemia-induced myocardial impairment. Furthermore, if the aortic valve remains closed during the cardiac cycle, stasis of blood in the LV and aortic root may increase the risk of thrombus formation. These complications may preclude cardiac recovery and the patient from being a heart transplant candidate. In patients with CS, utilizing Impella with VA-ECMO, commonly referred to as ECPella, has consistently been shown to reduce mortality and improve outcomes. Patients who need prolonged ECPella support as a bridge to recovery or transplant may remain bed-bound since ambulation of patients with two mechanical circulatory support devices is challenging. We present the technique of ECPella placement through Y chimney graft anastomosis on the axillary artery for arterial cannula and Impella insertion and percutaneous cannulation of the right internal Jugular vein for venous cannula. This technique gives the ease of ambulation and decannulation of VA-ECMO under local anesthesia without requiring intubation or a trip to the operating room.