Impella Device
The Impella device functions similarly to a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a mechanical pump-type device that is surgically implanted in the left ventricle of the heart. (The LVAD helps maintain the pumping ability of a heart that can’t effectively work on its own, for example, in cases of heart failure.)
The Impella device is a tiny pump that is inserted with a catheter through the groin rather than being surgically implanted. It can be used temporarily to help patients tolerate procedures such as angioplasty by relieving the heart’s pumping function and providing the time needed to perform life-saving procedures.
http://heartcenter.ucsd.edu/health-information/treatment/Pages/impella-device.aspx
that’s funny, I was at the impella web page and they said it was inserted under normal open chest procedures. had a graphic of an open chested patient.
I wonder if this just means they could do it either way.