End stage heart failure patients admitted in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for refractory cardiogenic shock requiring short-term mechanical circulatory support as a bridge to a long-term LVAD might benefit from early mobilization and rehabilitation with IMPELLA™ inserted via the axillary artery. The aim of this study is to compare the early rehabilitation and outcomes after LVAD implantation between patients previously treated by IMPELLA™ or ExtraCorporeal Life Support (ECLS)
In this retrospective observational multicenter study the authors tested the hypothesis that the use of IMPELLA™ pump as bridge to bridge, by giving the opportunity of active rehabilitation, should improve patient's outcomes after the implantation of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD).