Left ventricular support with the Impella LP 5.0 for cardiogenic shock following cardiac surgery.

We report the first Australian use of the Impella LP 5.0, a minimally invasive, high-output left ventricular assist device. The device was inserted intra-operatively for cardiac failure following coronary artery grafting. Although it facilitated a temporary post-operative recovery, the patient ultimately succumbed due to left ventricular failure more than 30 days after the original procedure. This device has several advantages over existing forms of left ventricular support, and has the potential for widespread use in Australian centres.