CIS is First in Lafayette to Use New Impella Device for Right Heart Failure

LAFAYETTE- Dr. Amit Amin, interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), is the first in Lafayette to perform an implant of the Impella RP^®, the only percutaneous heart pump approved for right heart support.  This minimally-invasive and life-saving procedure took place on April 6 at Lafayette General Medical Center.

The Impella devicesThe Impella devices temporarily assist with the pumping function of the heart during a high-risk coronary intervention.  The Impella RP^® heart pump specifically is designed to provide the flow and pressure needed to compensate for right heart failure.  It is delivered through a catheter requiring only a small incision in the leg, and it provides more than four liters of blood per minute for hemodynamic support.

“Previously, there were no mechanical circulatory support device options for these critically-ill patients,” explained Dr. Amin.  “This new technology gives CIS physicians an important treatment option for patients with right heart failure.”