New Study Confirms the Long-Term Benefits of the Impella CP Heart Pump in Cardiogenic Shock Patients

New Long-Term Data on the Impella CP Heart Pump

Recent findings from the DanGer Shock randomized control trial, revealed during the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, underscore the long-term survival advantage of the Impella CP heart pump for patients suffering from cardiogenic shock following a heart attack.

The trial's chief investigator, Dr. Jacob Møller, presented compelling data indicating that the routine use of Impella CP results in a notable mortality reduction of 16.3% over a period of up to 10 years, a significant increase from earlier six-month results that indicated a 12.7% reduction. This new data shows that on average, patients benefiting from the Impella CP enjoy an additional 600 days of life compared to standard care.

According to Dr. Navin Kapur, the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer for heart recovery at Johnson & Johnson MedTech, these findings reinforce the overall endurance of the survival benefit associated with this mechanical circulatory support device. The latest results affirm that the Impella CP not only aids in immediate support but also contributes to prolonged survival and a better quality of life.

The DanGer Shock trial, which enrolled 360 participants from Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom from 2013 to 2023, demonstrated that Impella CP is the first mechanical circulatory device effectively proven through randomized control trials (RCTs) to provide substantial survival advantages for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Every year, about 750,000 Americans experience STEMI, with up to 10% developing cardiogenic shock, the primary cause of in-hospital mortality for these patients. The Impella pump, known as the world's smallest heart pump, is designed to be inserted into the heart to temporarily handle its pumping duties. This function allows the heart to rest, recover, and maintain oxygenated blood flow throughout the body—a critical factor for patient rehabilitation and return to normal life.

In recognition of these advancements, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have updated the Impella's guideline classification to a 2a recommendation based on the impressive outcomes from the DanGer Shock trial presented in May 2024. This shift highlights the innovative role Impella plays in cardiovascular medicine, particularly for those facing severe heart conditions.

Johnson & Johnson’s commitment to addressing some of the world’s most challenging health issues is reflected in its wide-ranging cardiovascular portfolio. The company continues to pioneer solutions for various cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, stroke, and atrial fibrillation, reinforcing its leadership in heart recovery and circulatory restoration.

By embracing cutting-edge technology and patient-centric solutions, Johnson & Johnson aims to transform the treatment landscape for patients with heart disease, offering hope and enhanced quality of life through effective medical solutions. The success of the Impella CP highlights the importance of innovation in treating severe cardiac conditions and emphasizes the company's dedication to improving patient outcomes through comprehensive care strategies and advanced medical technologies.