Facilitated cardiac recovery in fulminant myocarditis: pediatric use of the Impella LP 5.0 pump

We describe the successful use of the Impella LP 5.0 intracardiac microaxial pump (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) in a 13-year-old boy with fulminant biopsy-proven viral myocarditis. The patient, who previously was in refractory cardiogenic shock despite increasing inotropic and vasopressor support, immediately stabilized after Impella LP 5.0 implantation and was successfully bridged to a full recovery. Month,, later, he remains completely well, with no intracardiac or peripheral vascular sequelae of the procedure. In carefully selected pediatric patients the Impella may be a beneficial form of temporary mechanical circulatory support for fulminant cardiogenic shock. J Heart Lung Transplant 2010;29:96-97 (C) 2010 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. All rights reserved.