The Impella Recover 2.5 and TandemHeart ventricular assist devices are safe and associated with equivalent clinical outcomes in patients undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the practical use, safety, and clinical outcomes associated with the TandemHeart (TH) versus Impella Recover 2.5 (IR2.5) devices when used for circulatory support during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND: Small studies and registries suggest safety and efficacy for the TH and IR2.5 percutaneous-left ventricular assist devices (P-LVADs). However, these P-LVADs differ markedly in their insertion, operation, and manner of circulatory augmentation. To date, no study has compared these devices.

METHODS: We identified 68 patients (49 males, 19 females; age 71.1 ± 12.1 years) from our single-center database that underwent "high-risk" PCI with P-LVAD support from April 2005 to June 2010 (32 with TH, 36 with IR2.5). Relevant data were extracted for analysis.

RESULTS: Baseline demographics were similar, including low LVEF (overall mean 31.0 ± 13.7%) and elevated STS mortality risk score (4.2 ± 3.7%). Angiographic characteristics were also similar, with a mean of 2.4 ± 1.0 lesions treated per patient, and 29% undergoing left main PCI. PCI success rates were 99% in both groups, with similar in-hospital outcomes and a combined 7% major vascular access site complication rate. A single episode of left atrial perforation occurred during TH use. No patient required emergent CABG and no in-hospital deaths occurred. The 30-day MACE rate (death, myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization) was 5.8%. There were no differences between the IR2.5 and TH groups with respect to short- or long-term clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: The IR2.5 and TH assist devices are safe, equally effective, and associated with acceptable short- and long-term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing "high-risk" PCI.