Spelling of the Impella Device
The correct spelling is "Impella" (capital I, followed by lowercase m-p-e-l-l-a). 1
Device Details
The Impella is manufactured by ABIOMED, Inc and represents a family of percutaneous mechanical circulatory support devices used in cardiogenic shock 1. The device name appears consistently throughout American Heart Association guidelines and contemporary literature with this exact spelling.
Available Impella Models
The Impella family includes several versions, each with specific flow capabilities:
- Impella 2.5: Delivers up to 2.5 L/min of flow, placed percutaneously across the aortic valve 1
- Impella 5.0: Provides up to 5 L/min of flow, requires surgical cut-down for insertion 1
- Impella 5.5: Newer generation device capable of 5.5 L/min flow 2, 3, 4
- Impella CP: Intermediate flow capacity device commonly used in cardiogenic shock 5
- Impella RP: Specifically designed for right ventricular support 6
Clinical Context
The Impella devices are nondurable, percutaneous, continuous-flow, axial pumps that rest across the aortic valve and pump blood from the left ventricle to the ascending aorta 1. They are FDA-approved for temporary circulatory support in cardiogenic shock, particularly in acute myocardial infarction complicated by shock and for high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions 1.
The device name should always be capitalized as "Impella" when referring to this specific brand of mechanical circulatory support device.