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The Impella pump system for mechanical circulatory support comes in two versions: the 2.5 pump, which is inserted percutaneously and delivers a maximum flow of 2.5 L per minute, and the larger 5.0 pump, which requires surgical cut down of the femoral or axillary artery and delivers up to 5 L per minute. Researchers in the Netherlands report their experience with the devices in 34 patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and profound cardiogenic shock (persistent shock despite treatment with inotropes and intra-aortic balloon pump) who were admitted to a single intensive care unit for mechanical ventilation. The senior researcher received research funding support and speaking fees from the manufacturer of the pumps. T…