Successful Treatment of Left Ventricle Inferior Wall Perforation and Rupture Associated with an Impella 5.5: A Case Report

TL;DR

A rare case of successful recovery after a life-threatening complication from a heart device is reported.

Contribution

This is the first reported case of Impella 5.5-related left ventricle perforation outside immediate placement leading to survival.

Findings

A 73-year-old man survived a rare complication of left ventricle perforation from an Impella 5.5 device.

The patient made a full recovery after postoperative management of the complication.

This case expands understanding of rare but fatal Impella-related complications.

Abstract

Background and Clinical Significance: Perforation of the left ventricle related to microaxial ventricular assist devices (Impella) is a rare but fatal complication related to placement or adjustment. It results in left ventricular hemorrhage and tamponade, leading to rapid deterioration and death. Case Presentation: We present a case report of a 73-year-old man who developed this complication postoperatively and was successfully managed to a full recovery. Conclusions: To our knowledge, he is the only reported patient to have this complication outside the setting of immediate placement who subsequently survived to discharge.

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