Jersey Shore completes first procedure with Abiomed's Impella 2.5 heart pump

Jersey Shore University Medical Center announces the completion of its first procedure with Abiomed's Impella® 2.5 heart pump. Jersey Shore is the first and only regional hospital to include the World's Smallest Heart Pump in their portfolio of treatment options to assist critically ill heart patients.

On September 7th, Donald Henry, 72 of Long Branch, NJ, was the first patient at Jersey Shore to receive the pump. According to Ashish Patel, M.D., Mr. Henry's electrophysiologist, "This breakthrough technology offers a minimally invasive approach in cardiac treatment. Mr. Henry had suffered a Cardiac Arrest prior to arriving at Jersey Shore, and the Impella® device allowed us to perform a Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation that otherwise would not have been possible. Acting as an artificial heart, the Impella® supported his circulation and enabled us to cauterize the failing area in his heart. Without it, Mr. Henry's options would have been limited."

In June 2008, the Impella® 2.5 catheter-based heart pump received 510(k) clearance by the Food and Drug Administration. It works by temporarily supporting the heart's pumping function and allows physicians the time needed to perform life-saving interventions. The Impella® has helped change the industry standard of care in the cardiac catherization and electrophysiology labs with its seamless and immediate circulatory support for critical patients.

"From a therapeutic point of view, this procedure is one of the most exciting developments we have seen in cardiology. Our team can now perform cutting-edge, life-saving cardiovascular procedures on the most critically ill patients. Put very simply, we are able to save more lives," comments Nelson LaMarche, M.D., Director of Cardiac Catherization & Interventional Services at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. "And as the only hospital in the region that offers this procedure, it confirms Jersey Shore's position in the top echelon of cardiac interventional programs," adds Dr. LaMarche.

The Henry family is especially appreciative of the Jersey Shore Cardiac team's embrace of the new technology. Mr. Henry reflects "My family and I are so grateful to Dr. Patel and the team at Jersey Shore for their level of expertise and commitment to innovation. I am honored to be the first person in the region to receive the Impella® and feel lucky that my hospital is at the forefront of the latest cardiac advancements."