IABP or Impella? Choosing Mechanical Circulatory Support in Critical Care

Three Different Types, Three Different Ways of Support: A) Impella 5.5 -- A type of left ventricular device that provides more support than its sister device (B). Can give up to 6 L/Min of support 🤯. Can be instered via axillary cut down approach and can be uses for longer durations and allows for more patient mobility while recovery from cardiogenic shock or a bridge to other longer term support methods (like an LVAD) B) Is the standard Impella CP -- Delivers around 4.3L/Min of support. Can be

Witness the Impella 5.5 in action! This is a simulation of the Impella 5.5 catheter in water. The end of the catheter brings blood (water in this case!) from the left ventricle and expels it into the aorta As you can see, the device can propel blood pretty vigorously to offload the left ventricle. The Impella provides significant support to patients in cardiogenic shock. *this is not a sponsored post* #criticalcarnurse #progressivecarenurse #telemetry #ER #nurse #nurselife #nursesrock #nursehumo

What is an LVAD? How does it work?