Percutaneous Right Ventricular Assist Device Support in a Patient Supported by an LVAD.

Right ventricular failure requiring short-term mechanical support is a relatively common complication after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Removal of the temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) generally requires a reoperative sternotomy. In this report, we describe an innovative percutaneous approach for placing an RVAD at the time of LVAD implantation using the Impella RP (Abiomed Inc.) that does not require reoperation for removal, as the Impella RP can be removed at the patient's bedside.