Mobile Thrombus Observed Around an Impella Device

An Impella device (Abiomed, Inc., Danvers, Massachusetts, United States) is a useful percutaneous left ventricular assist device for patients with cardiogenic shock. However, there are cases in which patients are unable to escape cardiogenic shock and become Impella-dependent. Long-term management can lead to thrombus. A man in his thirties experienced acute myocardial infarction necessitating Impella 5.5 support. Initially, a thrombus was not detected in the ascending aorta. Nonetheless, a mobile thrombus was observed post-Impella removal. His computed tomography revealed thrombosis in the iliac artery the following day. Diligent monitoring during Impella removal is imperative.