The major difference between the two devices is that the IABP works by using the force of each heartbeat to increase blood flow while the Impella 2.5 device functions independently of how forceful your heart beats, pumping up to 2.5 liters of blood per minute. One group of 216 patients underwent PCI with the Impella 2.5, while the other group of 211 patients experienced PCI with the IABP. The FDA reviewed these and other data for the Impella 2.5 System and noted in their March 23, 2015 press release that “the overall data provided evidence that, for patients with severe CAD [coronary artery disease] and diminished heart function, the temporary circulatory support provided by the Impella 2.5 System during a HRPCI [high-risk PCI] procedure may allow a longer and more thorough procedure by preventing episodes of hemodynamic instability (e.g., poor circulation, low blood pressure) due to temporary abnormalities in heart function. The Impella 2.5 heart pump and IABP are two medical devices used to help your heart pump blood during the PCI procedure. The Impella 2.5 System can be used as an alternative to the IABP without significantly increasing the safety risks of the HRPCI procedure.”Ninety days after the PCI procedure, the results indicated the Impella 2.5 reduced MACCE by 29% over the IABP. 2014), commented and analyzed the results of a clinical trial called PROTECT II, which compared the use of the IABP with the use of the Impella 2.5 in certain high-risk patients, with similar cardiovascular problems, who underwent PCI. A recent paper, (Dangas et al. Both devices push blood from the left ventricle to the aorta with each heartbeat. Both devices increase blood flow to your coronary arteries and the rest of your body during the PCI procedure.The authors concluded PCI with the Impella heart pump had fewer adverse events (MAE, MACCE) compared to PCI with the IABP 90 days after the PCI procedure. Moreover, fewer later adverse events (e.g., need for repeat HRPCI procedures) may occur in patients undergoing HRPCI with the pump compared to patients undergoing HRPCI with an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP).