Impella RP Flex: Rescue for the Failing Right Ventricle After Heart Transplantation—Case Report

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (RVD) after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. Impella RP Flex was recently approved for RV support as a temporary mechanical circulatory device. We present the first case of its use in managing RVD in a patient after OHT. Here, a 40 year old male patient with familial dilated cardiomyopathy and factor V Leiden mutation presented with Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) stage B cardiogenic shock. Hemodynamics at admission were indicative of need for intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support. Hemodynamics improved and patient underwent OHT. Postoperative day (POD) 1, IABP support was changed to 1:2 and eventually removed. Hemodynamics deteriorated quickly, requiring pharmacologic RV support and diuresis, but refractory RV failure persisted. Impella RP Flex was chosen due to the patient's small size and was placed via the right internal jugular vein on POD 12. The procedure was well tolerated, with the patient ambulatory the following day (POD 13). Impella was removed on POD 25 after 13 days of support. Patient achieved normal kidney, intrinsic rhythm improved sinus rhythm, and ultimately discharged on POD 50. Impella RP flex has emerged as a promising future indication as single or biventricular support postcardiac transplantation.