Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. announced the first in-human experience with Propel™, its first-generation percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD), offering hemodynamic support for patients undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (HR-PCI). The first series of patients was treated by Dr. David E. Kandzari, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Chief, Piedmont Heart Institute and Cardiovascular Services, Atlanta, Ga., performed in Tbilisi, Georgia. Propel performed as intended, providing uninterrupted hemodynamic support leading to successful revascularization.

Propel is designed to meet the needs of the HR-PCI patient by providing clinically meaningful hemodynamic support while minimizing access site and procedural complications due to a small profile pump and smaller catheter body versus the current pVAD systems that are commercially available. Propel is percutaneously inserted, and the blood inlet portion of the device is positioned within the left ventricle below the aortic valve, and the outlet positioned above the aortic valve. Propel was used at multiple support levels, with a hemodynamic power output and duration sufficient to maintain the stability of patients during their HR-PCI.