Abstract 4144595: Real-World Outcomes of Impella 5.5 in Advanced Heart Failure Patients Undergoing Evaluation for Heart Transplant

Background: Impella 5.5 provides robust support as temporary mechanical circulatory support (t-MCS) device in advanced heart failure patients in cardiogenic shock. Understanding short- and long-term outcomes is crucial. Hypothesis: Impella 5.5 supports advanced heart failure patients in cardiogenic shock and successfully bridges them to cardiac replacement without affecting long-term survival. Methods: From February 2020 to April 2024, all patients who received an Impella 5.5 and underwent evaluation for advanced therapies at Houston Methodist Hospital were identified. Implantation of Heartmate 3 (HM3) Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT), mortality, and device removal after Impella implantation were assessed. For HM3 LVAD patients, outcomes were categorized as death, transplantation, or survival. Survival after OHT was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared to patients who received OHT without Impella 5.5. Cumulative incidence rates was calculated using Competing risk regression. Results: 140 patients were identified, median age 59.4 years (50.4-66.5), majority Caucasian (54%) and Black (36%). 89 (63.6%) were either bridged to advanced therapies or recovered. 52 (37.1%) underwent OHT, 21 (15%) received an HM3 LVAD, and 51 (36.4%) died post-implantation. 3 (2.1%) died post-transplant. Post-LVAD, 6 (4.3%) died, 3 (2.1%) underwent OHT, and 12 (8.6%) were alive with LVAD. 10 (7.1%) survived after Impella 5.5 removal, 2 (1.4%) went to hospice, and 1 (0.7%) was transferred to another hospital. 3 (2.1%) are currently hospitalized. Fig1a shows outcomes. Fig1b indicates death within 90 days of Impella implantation. 3-year survival of patients bridged with Impella to OHT (N=55) was 94%, comparable (p=0.27) to patients receiving OHT without Impella (N=215)(Fig 1c). Conclusion: Mortality for cardiogenic shock patients remains high. Using Impella 5.5 with a cardiac replacement strategy can salvage some patients. Long-term outcomes for patients bridged to heart transplant with Impella 5.5 are similar to those without the device. Further studies on predictors of early adverse outcomes post-implant can help mitigate risks for advanced heart failure patients in cardiogenic shock.