The PulseCath iVAC 2L left ventricular assist device: conversion to a percutaneous transfemoral approach

This technical report describes the essentials and practical implantation technique of the completely percutaneous PulseCath iVAC 2L left ventricular assist device.Percutaneously inserted mechanical left ventricular assist devices are used for circulatory support during cardiogenic shock or high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions. The PulseCath concept is a novel pulsatile design that consists of an extracorporeal membrane pump connected to a large-bore catheter which is inserted across the aortic valve retrogradely into the left ventricle. A genuine intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) console drives the pulsatile pump.The percutaneous PulseCath iVAC 2L is driven by a genuine IABP console and provides more left ventricular support.