Journal of cardiac failure
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Impella (Abiomed Inc, Danvers, MA) is a temporary mechanical support device positioned across the aortic valve, and can be used to support patient before LVAD implantation. There are no data on the incidence of aortic insufficiency (AI) in patients supported with Impella as a bridge to durable LVAD implantation. We sought to assess the incidence of AI in patients with Impella support as a bridge to durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. ⋯ Patients supported by Impella as a bridge to durable LVAD have a higher risk of developing AI. Further studies are needed to assess this risk as the use of the Impella increases.