The right side of the heart is where oxygen-depleted blood, or blood that has already circulated throughout the body, is collected. This deoxygenated blood is eventually moved to the lungs to receive oxygen.
Right-sided heart failure may also occur as a result of left-sided heart failure. During right-sided heart failure, blood begins to backup because it isn’t adequately pumped out to the lungs. This backup causes pressure in the veins, resulting in swelling of the legs and ankles. Ultimately, the amount of blood reaching the lungs, where it usually picks up much-needed oxygen, is reduced.
Impella products used during right heart failure therapies: