Assisted circulation using the TandemHeart® during very high‐risk PCI of the unprotected left main coronary artery in patients declined for CABG

Objectives: In a single center experience, we retrospectively evaluated the short‐term safety and efficacy of the TandemHeart® percutaneous transseptal left ventricular assist (PTVA®) system to deliver extracorporeal circulatory support during catheter based treatment of the unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA). Background: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) of the ULMCA usually has been restricted to patients who are hemodynamically unstable or ineligible for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). High‐risk patients for CABG should be considered at increased risk for PCI as well. In these patients the TandemHeart PTVA System (p‐LVAD) may provide a valuable safeguard to reduce procedural risks. Methods and Results: Between July 2002 and May 2008 the TandemHeart was used in 9 very high risk patients (Logistic Euro score: 13.64 (7.46–29.67); Syntax score:43 (41–50); Mayo Clinic Risk score (MCRS) 7 (6–8); age: median 65 (range 55–71) undergoing elective PCI for the novo lesions on the ULMCA. All patients were declined for CABG by a heart team. A ‘‘true’’ percutaneous insertion technique was used in all patients, technical success rate was 100%. The median (range) time for implementation of circulatory support was 27 min (24–30). A median (range) pump flow up to 4.36 (3.40–5.54) L/min was achieved with significant reduction of left ventricular filling pressures, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and a small increase of systemic arterial pressures. Median (range) duration of support was 93 min (50.4–102). Successful weaning was achieved in all patients. There was no in hospital death, survival at 6 months was (89%), whereas vascular access site complications were seen in 4 patients (44.4%). Conclusions: In very high risk PCI, assisted circulation using the TandemHeart‐PTVA provides effective, total left ventricular support and may contribute to a reduced procedural risk and improved survival. The rate of device related cardiac and vascular complications was acceptable. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.