38 Irrawaddy Road #08-51, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore 329563
38 Irrawaddy Road #08-51, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore 329563
Discover how the Impella heart pump supports high-risk patients undergoing coronary angiograms and other cardiac procedures.
Heart disease is a leading cause of health concerns in Singapore. One of the most common treatments for heart disease involves percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a procedure used to open blocked arteries in the heart. This is often preceded by a CT coronary angiogram, a diagnostic test that helps assess the extent of blockages in the coronary arteries.
While PCIs are routine and minimally invasive procedures, they do come with certain risks, especially for patients with weakened heart function or complex coronary conditions. Some potential complications can include fluctuations in blood pressure, arrhythmias, or even cardiac instability.
To help manage these risks, some heart specialists have introduced the Impella heart pump to offer additional safety and potentially support a smoother recovery process.
The Impella heart pump is a temporary, mechanical device used to support the heart during these complex medical procedures. As the smallest heart pump in the world, it is specifically designed to assist patients whose hearts are unable to pump blood effectively on their own.
The device is inserted into the heart through a minimally invasive procedure, where it works by drawing blood from the left ventricle and pumping it into the aorta, which is the body’s largest artery. This process supports the heart by either temporarily taking over or supplementing its role in circulating oxygenated blood to essential organs. Once the procedure concludes, the Impella device is typically switched off and carefully removed. In situations where ongoing heart support is needed after the procedure, the device may remain in place until the patient’s condition stabilises.
The Impella heart pump helps maintain consistent blood flow and pressure, crucial for the safe completion of certain medical procedures.
During a coronary angiogram, for example, fluctuations in blood pressure or circulation can distort the imaging results and complicate decision-making. Using an Impella ensures that the diagnostic data acquired is accurate, allowing your heart specialist to make informed decisions based on reliable results.
Conditions like severe coronary artery disease or reduced heart function can make it difficult to maintain adequate circulation during certain procedures. For high-risk patients, the Impella device provides mechanical support, helping to reduce cardiac strain. This support allows medical teams to carry out procedures with greater stability, reducing the risk of complications for patients with compromised heart function.
By ensuring stable circulation and support for high-risk patients, using the Impella can reduce the likelihood of complications such as cardiac arrest or shock. This allows the procedure to proceed with minimal risk and provides better control during complex interventions.
The Impella has undergone rigorous testing and is FDA-approved, ensuring its safety and reliability for use in high-risk cardiac procedures. This provides patients and healthcare providers with confidence in its use during critical interventions.
By helping maintain stable heart function, the Impella can contribute to better outcomes during procedures like coronary angiograms and angioplasties. It provides the necessary support to allow for more effective treatment, improving the chances of achieving the intended results of the procedure.
Due to its minimally invasive nature, the Impella generally requires less recovery time than traditional heart support devices. Patients may experience a quicker recovery, which can help reduce the overall impact of the procedure on their daily activities.
The Impella heart pump offers temporary support, which can reduce the need for more invasive, long-term mechanical heart devices. This is particularly helpful for patients who require short-term assistance and may be able to recover or stabilise before further treatment is needed.
Using the Impella may help reduce the likelihood of complications after the procedure, such as heart attack or stroke. This leads to a smoother recovery period and potentially fewer follow-up interventions.
The Impella heart pump is used for high-risk patients, or for patients undergoing complex and high-risk procedures such as:
For these patients, the Impella device offers essential support, helping to maintain heart function when needed most.
The Impella is an important option for patients undergoing high-risk cardiac procedures, providing additional support. This device is available in Singapore for individuals requiring comprehensive heart assistance during critical interventions.
Dr. Leslie Tay, an interventional heart specialist in Singapore, offers the Impella device as part of his approach to supporting patients through complex cardiac procedures. With a focus on using appropriate technologies, Dr. Tay ensures that patients receive the necessary care during interventions, helping to manage risk and assist in the recovery process.
