Preemptive Use of a Left Microaxial Flow Pump in Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Management of peripartum cardiomyopathy and cardiogenic shock often presents a significant clinical challenge. These patients are frequently best served at a specialized center with access to cardiac anesthesia, maternal-fetal medicine, and cardiac intensivists. Planning for delivery involves a plan for anesthesia and management of hemodynamic changes during the postoperative period. The use of temporary microaxial flow pumps for hemodynamic support allows for ventricular unloading and recovery without the use of catecholaminergic agents. We present a case of early left hemodynamic support with an Impella CP device (Abiomed) in the setting of cardiogenic shock during delivery.