Combined Use of Impella Left Ventricular Assist Device and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge to Recovery in Fulminant Myocarditis

Myocarditis may result in cardiogenic shock, and when medical therapy is unable to maintain adequate cardiac output, mechanical circulatory support is indicated. This is the first reported case of a percutaneous left ventricular assist device being used in combination with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a patient with biventricular and respiratory failure, as a bridge to recovery. ASAIO Journal 2012; 58:285-287.