The Impella® heart pump is used as a temporary support device. Depending on your situation, it may be used as:

• Bridge to Transplant: To support the heart and keep the body strong while waiting for a donor heart to become available.
• Bridge to a Longer-Term Device: To stabilize the heart until a different type of pump — like an LVAD — can be implanted for longer-term support.
• Support During a Procedure: To provide extra blood flow to the body while another heart procedure is being performed.
• Bridge to Recovery: To give the heart a chance to rest and recover, with the goal of eventually removing the pump.
• Bridge to Decision: To support the heart and improve blood flow while the care team determines the best next step, even if the future path is not yet known.