Aims: This technical report describes the essentials and practical implantation technique of the completely percutaneous PulseCath iVAC 2L left ventricular assist device. Methods and results: Percutaneously inserted mechanical left ventricular assist devices are used for circulatory support during cardiogenic shock or high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions. The PulseCath concept is a novel pulsatile design that consists of an extracorporeal membrane pump connected to a large-bore catheter which is inserted across the aortic valve retrogradely into the left ventricle. A genuine intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) console drives the pulsatile pump. Conclusions: The percutaneous PulseCath iVAC 2L is driven by a genuine IABP console and provides more left ventricular support.

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doi.org/10.4244/EIJV11I7A168, hdl.handle.net/1765/84103
EuroIntervention
Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery

van Mieghem, N., Daemen, J., Lenzen, M., Zandstra, R., Malkin, O., & van Geuns, R. J. (2015). The pulsecath iVAC 2L left ventricular assist device: Conversion to a percutaneous transfemoral approach. EuroIntervention, 11(7), 835–839. doi:10.4244/EIJV11I7A168