Abiomed has received Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the use of its Impella RP temporary heart pump in patients suffering from right side heart failure or decompensation related to Covid-19.

The Impella RP received FDA approval in 2017 for treating right ventricular failure in the setting of acute myocardial infarction and after cardiac surgery. Biventricular cardiac support can be provided when Impella RP is used in combination with left-side Impella devices.

Covid-19 can cause acute pulmonary embolism, which may lead to acute right ventricular failure. The FDA has concluded that the Impella RP may be effective at providing temporary support in these cases.