A therapeutic concept to resolve a possible coronary desaturation under Ecpella support and maximize the potential for myocardial recovery: combination of veno-arteriovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and Impella (VAVEcpella)

Introduction: Ecpella, a combination of veno-arterial (V-A) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and Impella, may result in the differential hypoxia in patients with cardiogenic shock and severe lung dysfunction. Here, we report a solution of this Ecpella-induced unfavorable phenomenon. Case report: A 70-year-old man developed cardiogenic shock from fulminant myocarditis. As we established Ecpella but immediately significant differential hypoxia became apparent, the ECMO configuration was switched from V-A to veno-arteriovenous (V-AV): a combination of V-AV ECMO and Impella, newly termed VAVEcpella, was instituted. The differential hypoxia resolved, and he was successfully weaned from mechanical circulatory support. Discussion and conclusion: VAVEcpella is an effective configuration to resolve Ecpella-induced differential hypoxia and may contribute to restoration of normal cardiac function.