Use of mechaNical Left ventricuLar unlOADing in Complex Higher-risk Indicated Procedures
Phase: NA
Conditions: High-risk PCI, Coronary Artery Disease Risk High
Sponsor: Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
1 
 
 
 
Use of mechaNical left ventricuLar unlOADing in Complex Higher-
risk Indicated Procedures 
 
UNLOAD-CHIP trial 
 
 
Tijmen Ris, MD1; Robert-Jan van Geuns, MD PhD2; Adriaan Kraaijeveld, MD PhD3; Erik Lipsic, MD 
PhD4; Jose Monteiro-Cabezas, MD PhD5; Pieter Vriesendorp, MD PhD6; Bas van der Hoeven, MD 
PhD7; Martijn Meuwissen, MD PhD8; , Sander Ijsselmuiden,MD PhD9, Paul Knaapen, MD PhD1; 
Alexander Nap MD, PhD1 
 
 
1Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 
2Radboud MC, Nijmegen, The Netherlands 
3Utrecht UMC, Utrecht, The Netherlands 
4UMC Groningen, Groningen The Netherlands 
5Leiden UMC, Leiden, The Netherlands 
6Maastricht UMC, Maastricht, The Netherlands 
7Haaglanden MC, Den Haag, The Netherlands 
8Zuyderland, Geleen, The Netherlands 
 
 
Corresponding author: 
Alexander Nap 
a.nap@amsterdamumc.nl 
+31 20 4444444 
 
Confidentiality Statement 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
2 
The information contained in this document is the property of VU University medical center and is therefore provided to you in confidence as an investigator, potential investigator, or 
consultant for review by you, your staff, and an applicable Institutional Review Board (Ethics Committee). It is understood that this information will not be disclosed to others without 
written authorization from VU University medical center except to the extent necessary to obtain informed consent from those persons who may qualify for admission into the trial. 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
3 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
UNLOAD-CHIP trial ..................................................................................................................... 1 
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................ 6 
1. PROTOCOL SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... 8 
2. INTRODUTION ...................................................................................................................... 11 
2.1 
Background .......................................................................................................................... 11 
2.2 
Research hypothesis ............................................................................................................ 12 
3. OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................................................... 13 
4. STUDY DESIGN ...................................................................................................................... 14 
5. STUDY POPULATION ............................................................................................................ 16 
5.1 
Population ........................................................................................................................... 16 
5.2 
Inclusion criteria .................................................................................................................. 16 
5.3 
Exclusion criteria .................................................................................................................. 16 
5.4 
Sample size calculation ........................................................................................................ 17 
6. TREATMENT OF SUBJECTS ................................................................................................... 20 
6.1 
PulseCath iVAC2L group ...................................................................................................... 20 
6.2 
Control group....................................................................................................................... 21 
6.3 
Clinical deterioration ........................................................................................................... 22 
6.4 
Long-term treatment ........................................................................................................... 22 
7. METHODS ............................................................................................................................. 23 
7.1 
Study parameters / endpoints ............................................................................................. 23 
7.1.1 
Primary endpoint .......................................................................................................................... 23 
7.1.2 
Secondary endpoints .................................................................................................................... 23 
7.2 
Randomization, blinding and treatment allocation ............................................................. 24 
7.3 
Study procedures and observations .................................................................................... 24 
7.3.1 
Baseline information ..................................................................................................................... 24 
7.3.2 
Laboratory..................................................................................................................................... 25 
7.3.3 
Hemodynamic indices ................................................................................................................... 25 
7.3.4 
Index admission ............................................................................................................................ 26 
7.3.5. 
Follow-up ...................................................................................................................................... 26 
7.3.6 
Study completion .......................................................................................................................... 26 
7.4 
Withdrawal of individual subjects ....................................................................................... 27 
7.5 
Replacement of individual after withdrawal ....................................................................... 27 
7.6 
Follow-up of subjects withdrawn from treatment .............................................................. 27 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
4 
7.7 
Premature termination of the study ................................................................................... 27 
8. SAFETY REPORTING .............................................................................................................. 29 
8.1 
Temporary halt for reasons of subject safety ..................................................................... 29 
8.2  
AEs, SAEs, UADEs and DFs ................................................................................................... 29 
8.2.3 
Unanticipated Adverse Device Effect ........................................................................................... 29 
8.2.1 
Adverse Event (AE)........................................................................................................................ 29 
8.2.2 
Serious Adverse Event (SAE) ......................................................................................................... 29 
8.2.4 
Device Failures and Malfunctions ................................................................................................. 30 
8.3  
Annual safety report ............................................................................................................ 31 
8.4 
Follow-up of serious adverse events ................................................................................... 31 
8.5 
Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) ................................................................................ 31 
8.6 
Steering Committee ............................................................................................................. 32 
8.7 
Clinical Events Committee ................................................................................................... 32 
9.  STATISTICAL METHODS AND ANALYSIS .............................................................................. 33 
9.1 
General considerations ........................................................................................................ 33 
9.2 
Analyses sets ........................................................................................................................ 33 
9.3 
Main analysis of the primary endpoint ............................................................................... 33 
9.4 
Analyses of the secondary endpoints .................................................................................. 33 
9.5 
Interim analyses................................................................................................................... 34 
10. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................................ 35 
10.1 
Regulation statement .......................................................................................................... 35 
10.2 
Recruitment and consent .................................................................................................... 35 
10.3 
Benefits and risk assessment ............................................................................................... 36 
10.4 
Compensation for injury ...................................................................................................... 36 
10.5 
Incentives ............................................................................................................................. 36 
11. ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS, MONITORING AND PUBLICATION......................................... 37 
11.1  
Handling and storage of data and documents .................................................................... 37 
11.2  
Monitoring and Quality Assurance ...................................................................................... 38 
11.3  
Amendments ....................................................................................................................... 39 
11.4  
Annual progress report ........................................................................................................ 39 
11.5  
End of study (report) ........................................................................................................... 39 
11.6  
Public disclosure and publication policy .............................................................................. 39 
12. STRUCTURED RISK ANALYSIS ............................................................................................. 40 
13. REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................... 41 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
5 
14.  
DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................. 42 
14.1 
Primary endpoint definitions (timeline: In hospital is defined as 30 days after index PCI) 42 
14.1.1  
All-cause mortality ................................................................................................................... 42 
All-cause mortality is defined as cardiac death, non-cardiac death and undetermined death (see 14.4) . 42 
14.1.2 
SCAI CSWG stage C- E ............................................................................................................... 42 
14.1.3 
Need for mechanical ventilation .............................................................................................. 43 
14.1.4 
Need for renal replacement therapy ........................................................................................ 43 
14.1.5  
Peri or -post procedural ventricular arrhythmias ..................................................................... 43 
14.2  
Secondary outcomes ........................................................................................................... 44 
14.2.1 
PAC derived measurements and (invasive) LVEDP ................................................................... 44 
14.2.2  
Drop in arterial pressure .......................................................................................................... 44 
14.2.3 
Highest vasoactive inotropic score(VIS) ................................................................................... 44 
14.2.4 
 (Protected) procedural success of Pulsecath iVAC2L ............................................................... 44 
14.2.5 
Rescue pVAD implantation ....................................................................................................... 44 
14.2.6 
Myocardial infarction ............................................................................................................... 44 
14.2.7 
Stroke or TIA ............................................................................................................................. 45 
14.2.8 
Re-hospitalization or urgent hospital visit for heart failure ..................................................... 46 
14.2.9 
Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events- ............................................................... 46 
14.3 
Safety outcomes .................................................................................................................. 47 
14.3.1  
Vascular events ........................................................................................................................ 47 
14.3.2 
Limb ischemia ........................................................................................................................... 48 
14.3.3 
Bleeding events ........................................................................................................................ 48 
14.3.4 
Aortic valve injury..................................................................................................................... 49 
14.4  
Death ................................................................................................................................... 50 
14.4.1  
Cardiovascular death ............................................................................................................... 50 
14.4.2  
Non-cardiovascular death ........................................................................................................ 50 
14.4.3  
Undetermined .......................................................................................................................... 50 
14.5  
 SCAI definitions ................................................................................................................... 51 
14.6   
Left main distal bifurcation (2-stent) strategy ................................................................ 53 
14.7  
Complex left main distal bifurcation ................................................................................... 53 
14.9  
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) ..................................................................................................... 53 
14.10  
Insertion site infection .................................................................................................... 54 
15.11  
ICU dependency and SOFA scores................................................................................... 54 
15.12  
Device Relatedness ......................................................................................................... 55 
15.13  
Procedure Relatedness ................................................................................................... 55 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
6 
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 
ACS Acute Coronary Syndrome 
CHIP Complex high-risk and indicated percutaneous coronary interventions 
ADHF Acute decompensated heart-failure 
SCAI Society of cardiovascular angiography and interventions 
LV Left ventricle 
MR Mitral regurgitation 
PCWP Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure 
LVEDP Left ventricular end diastolic pressure 
CO Cardiac output 
CI Cardiac index 
CPO Cardiac power output 
SvO2 Mixed venous oxygen saturation 
pVAD Percutaneous ventricular assist devices  
IABP Intra-aortic balloon pump 
MACCE Major adverse cardiovascular cerebral events  
LVEF Left ventricular ejection fraction 
IRB Institutional review board  
MCS Mechanical circulatory support 
IHCA: In-hospital cardiac arrest 
OHCA: Out-hospital cardiac arrest 
PCI: Percutaneous coronary intervention 
RRT: Renal replacement therapy 
ACT Activated clotting time 
CPR Cardiopulmonary resuscitation 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
7 
Protocol ID 
NL83524.018.23 
Short title 
UNLOAD-CHIP 
Version 
5 
Date 
2024 – 10 - 04 
Coordinating investigator  
Alexander Nap, MD, PharmD, PhD  
Department of Cardiology  
Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 
Principal investigator(s)  
 
Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 
UMCG, Groningen, The Netherlands  
LUMC, Leiden, The Netherlands 
UMCU, Utrecht, The Netherlands 
Radboud MC, Nijmegen, The Netherlands 
Maastricht UMC,  Maastricht, The Netherlands 
Haaglanden MC, Den Haag, The Netherlands 
Zuyderland, Geleen, The Netherlands 
Sponsor  
Amsterdam UMC, locatie VUMC, The Netherlands 
Subsidising party 
PulseCath BV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 
DSMB 
Yes 
Independent Expert 
 Lilian Meijboom, MD PhD 
CRO 
CURIUS Amsterdam UMC 
Amsterdam, The Netherlands 
 
 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
8 
 
 
 
Confidential and Proprietary 
Do not distribute or reproduce without the prior written permission of Amsterdam UMC. 
1. PROTOCOL SUMMARY 
Title:  
Use of mechanical left ventricular unloading in complex higher-risk and 
indicated procedures  (UNLOAD-CHIP) 
Design:   
A prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label, multicentre trial with an 
adaptive design 
Hypothesis: 
Mechanical left ventricular unloading through the PulseCath iVAC2L® during 
complex coronary stenting in patients with reduced LV function (<30%) is 
superior to a mechanical unassisted procedure (IABP class III, pVAD IIb) 
Inclusion criteria: 
 (SCAI A-B) AND 
EF <30% (moderate MR: EF <35%, severe MR: EF <40%) AND Complex left 
main disease (2-stent, calcium modifying techniques, left dominant system)  
OR equivalent (ostial LAD and RCX) OR last remaining vessel (native, 
unprotected LM with CTO RCA)  
 
Objective: 
To assess the efficacy of mechanical left ventricular unloading in CHIP PCI. 
Randomization:  
PulseCath iVAC2L versus standard-of-care (no MCS) 
Analysis: 
 
Intention-to-treat 
Primary endpoint:  
Combined  clinical endpoint (30 days after index PCI) 
 
All-cause death  
SCAI CSWG stage C-E 
Renal replacement therapy 
Mechanical ventilation 
Ventricular arrhythmias necessitating CPR 
Secondary endpoints: 
  
Efficacy endpoints: 
PCWP (Δ max) (Time Frame: periprocedural) 
LVEDP (Δ max) (Time Frame: periprocedural) 
CO / CI / CPO (Δ max) (Time Frame: periprocedural) 
SvO2 (Time Frame: periprocedural) 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
9 
Drop in  arterial pressure (MAP <60) for >10 minutes (Time Frame: 
periprocedural] Protected procedural success of Pulsecath iVAC2L [Time 
Frame: Periprocedural] 
Procedural success of Pulsecath iVAC2L [Time frame: <6 hours post-PCI] 
Highest Vasoactive Inotropic Score (Time Frame: hospitalisation) 
Rescue pVAD implantation (Time Frame: hospitalisation) 
Length of hospital stay (Time frame: hospitalisation) 
Cardiovascular death (Time frame: 30-day) 
Major adverse cardiovascular cerebral events (MACCE) (Time frame:30-day) 
Stroke (Time frame: 30-day) 
PCI related myocardial infarction (time frame: 48 hours) 
Myocardial infarction (Time frame: 30-day) 
Re-hospitalization or urgent hospital visit for heart failure (time frame 30-day) 
 
Safety endpoints 
Major vascular events (Time Frame: 30-day) 
Limb ischemia (Time Frame: 30-day) 
Bleeding events (Time Frame: 30-day) 
Aortic valve injury (Time Frame: 30-day) 
 
Sub-analysis 
1. A pre-specified sub analysis will be performed comparing patients with left 
sided congestion (PCWP > 18mmHg OR LVEDP > 15mmHg) versus those who 
do not. 
2.  A pre-specified sub analysis will be performed comparing patients that 
were admitted because of ACS/ADHF versus those who do not.  
Patients:  
Complex higher risk indicated patients (CHIP) with severely depressed LV 
(<30%) scheduled for anticipated prolonged procedural  PCI of  a large 
territory during their admission for ADHF / ACS. 
Number of patients:  
A total of 98 randomized patients. The cohort size may change based on the 
implementation of the adaptive rules. 
Study flow: 
The Heart Team, including at least one interventional cardiologist and one 
cardiothoracic surgeon, reached consensus for PCI and identified all patients 
at risk for procedural haemodynamic compromise.  If inclusion criteria were 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
10
present and exclusion criteria were absent informed consent was obtained. 
Patients will be randomized and stratified based on severe mitral 
regurgitation. At baseline, all patients underwent standard clinical work-up 
with a coronary angiography,  transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and pre-
procedural CT angiography or Doppler of the femoral arteries to determine 
the quality of the access vessel. A common femoral artery minimum diameter 
of 6 mm is required to accommodate the iVAC2L. In subjects randomized to 
the treatment arm, ultrasound-guided access to the common femoral artery 
is obtained. The PulseCath iVAC 2L catheter is introduced into the LV. All 
patients are simultaneously monitored by a pulmonary artery catheter, and 
hemodynamic parameters are acquired at baseline, after pump insertion and 
activation and after PCI of the target lesion, after every subsequent PCI, and 
after device removal. After 30 days follow-up by telephone is done.   
 
Statistical Analysis: 
Sample Size 
Enrolment of 2 x 49 patients provides the trial with 80% power to show 
superiority of the iVAC2L regimen over standard-of-care under an assumed 
reduction of the combined clinical endpoint, that comprises in-hospital SCAI 
stage C-E cardiogenic shock, in-hospital all-cause death, mechanical 
ventilation, renal replacement therapy and CPR from an estimated 25%  to 
5%. 
Primary Endpoint 
The study was designed to test the following hypothesis: The PulseCath 
iVAC2L is superior to the standard of care (No MCS) in terms of the incidence 
of the combined primary endpoint. 
Main analysis of the primary endpoint is performed in the full analysis set 
population under application of the Intention-to-treat principle that is, events 
are counted irrespective of their occurrence relative to early or unanticipated 
termination of randomized regimen. 
Superiority of the PulseCath iVAC2L regimen in terms of the primary endpoint 
is declared if the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the Rate Difference lies below 
0%.  The method of Farrington and Manning will be used to calculate the 95% 
confidence interval for the between-group Rate Difference of the primary end 
point. Use of the 95% CI is equivalent to superiority testing with the 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
11
Farrington & Manning test for the Rate Difference (H0: RD = 0) with a two-
sided type I error (α) of 0.05. 
Clinical follow-up: 
Follow-up will take place at 30 days (by telephone) after randomization. 
2. INTRODUTION 
2.1 
Background 
During the last three to four decades percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) tools and techniques 
have improved immensely (1). Currently, PCI is the most widely used approach for myocardial 
revascularization. In general, elective PCI is considered a safe and relatively low-risk procedure(2). 
However, patients with left main or complex coronary lesions or impaired left ventricular function 
remain at high risk for peri-procedural and post-procedural hemodynamic instability and death (3, 4). 
Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, such as intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and Impella 
(Impella 2.5 and CP), have emerged as potential tools to avoid hemodynamic instability during these 
CHIP coronary interventions. These devices have shown to improve hemodynamics / cardiac output 
during complex PCI procedures, although the benefit of mechanical circulatory support in CHIP PCI 
remains debated and no clear benefit on patient outcomes has been shown (5-7). A recent large scale 
analysis favoured Impella as opposed to IABP (8). The use of these devices, especially Impella, is 
associated with increased risk for complications such as bleeding (6, 9). The use of MCS for optimizing  
peri-procedural hemodynamic support needs to be balanced out against the potential risk for MCS 
related complications. 
  
Recently the PulseCath iVAC 2L was introduced. This is a pulsatile pump, placed in the left ventricle, 
that ejects blood into the ascending aorta at a flow up to 2L/min (10). Theoretically, pulsatility 
maintains the physiological vascular responses and endothelial function at the level of the -systemic 
and –micro circulation and might offer benefit when compared to continues flow devices such as 
Impella (11). In contrast, IABP (which also offers pulsatile support), lacks the possibility of active 
unloading. Therefore, the combination of those features in the PulseCath iVAC2L is unique.  
 
Recent studies performed with the PulseCath iVAC2L in the setting of CHIP PCI demonstrated 
hemodynamic advantages with afterload reduction, increased stroke volume and higher cardiac 
output. Also, the device was deemed safe in terms of complications (11, 12). Samol et al. showed in a 
prospective cohort study that the use of IVAC2L was non-inferior to Impella in terms of feasibility and 
safety, even if complications occur. (13) Other advantages of the IVAC2L are its relatively simple use 
and lower costs when compared to other mechanical circulatory support devices such as the Impella 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
12
family.  Considering that the IVAC2L is powered by an IABP console, the possibility of widespread use 
adds an even greater advantage. 
 
So far, MCS facilitated CHIP has not been proven beneficial compared to a conservative (non-
supported) high-risk procedure. Although high-risk criteria parameters such as coronary anatomy 
(location and complexity), co-morbid conditions, and concomitant cardiac disease (structural or 
valvular disease, left ventricular dysfunction) are well known, no intrinsic value of each of these 
components is determined. The recent PULSE trial shed some light on this gap of knowledge by 
showing possible additional hemodynamic benefit for patients with mitral regurgitation, who 
presented with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and who had higher cardiac filling pressures at 
baseline (11). Therefore, MCS-facilitated high-risk PCI might be beneficial if used in ACS patients or 
patients with (left-sided) congestion (stabilized acutely decompensated heart failure) with low 
hemodynamic tolerance. However, due to the low number of patients enrolled and non-randomized 
nature of this study, conclusions should be drawn with caution. To this day, no randomized controlled 
trials have been executed with the PulseCath iVAC2L in this subset of CHIP patients who are thought 
to benefit from an MCS-facilitated PCI.  Its place in the setting of CHIP PCI remains to be elucidated.   
 
2.2 
Research hypothesis 
Prophylactic percutaneous mechanical left ventricular unloading by insertion of the PulseCath 
iVAC2L® during complex coronary stenting (complex left main disease or equivalent or last remaining 
vessel) at risk for prolonged procedural ischemia in patients with reduced LV function (<30%) is 
superior to a mechanical unassisted  PCI procedure. 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
13
3. OBJECTIVES 
The primary objective of the UNLOAD-CHIP is to investigate the combined clinical endpoint (all-cause 
mortality, SCAI C-E cardiogenic shock, need for mechanical ventilation, need for renal replacement 
therapy, -peri or –post procedural ventricular arrhythmias leading to loss of cardiac output requiring 
CPR)  for patients undergoing CHIP PCI. We will assess the efficacy of the PulseCath iVAC2L versus 
standard-of-care (no-MCS) in those patients.  
 
Secondary (peri-procedural) objectives that we are investigating are: PCWP, LVEDP, CO/CI/CPO, SvO2, 
prolonged drop in MAP/SBP, protected procedural success of iVAC2L.  
Secondary objectives during hospitalisation are: Procedural success of iVAC2L, highest vasoactive 
inotropic score, rescue pVAD implantation, length of hospital stay, , clinical success of PulseCath 
iVAC2L implantation, .  
Objectives at 30 days are: MACCE, hospitalization for cardiovascular causes and durable LVAD/heart 
transplant, cardiovascular death, stroke, myocardial infarction. 
 
A pre-specified subanalysis will be performed comparing patients with left sided congestion 
congestion (PCWP>18mmHg OR LVEDP >15mmHg) versus those who do not. 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
14
4. STUDY DESIGN 
The current study is an investigator initiated, randomized, open label, multi-center clinical trial. 
All patients assigned to have a complex higher-risk indicated procedure (CHIP) based on a formal local 
heart team decision will be screened for potential inclusion in the study.  
Patients will be eligible for the study after consideration of in- and exclusion criteria. Adjudication of 
echocardiographic data (i.e. LVEF <30%) during the heart team is decisive. If subsequent 
echocardiography shows an improvement in LVEF (>30%) this is not considered an exclusion criterium, 
and patient is still eligible for the study. Subsequently patients will be approached for study 
participation by their cardiologist. The patient information folder (PIF) and consent form will be 
provided to the patient by a study team member. Patients will have at least 24 hours to consider 
participation. An independent physician will be available for extra information, if desired. After this 
period of consideration, written informed consent is obtained and patients will be planned for CHIP 
PCI according to standard practice in adherence to international guidelines. Patients will also be 
randomized and stratified based on severe mitral regurgitation.  
At baseline, all patients have undergone a clinical work-up consisting of a coronary angiogram, a 
transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and/or pre-procedural CT angiography or Doppler of the 
femoral arteries to determine the quality of the access vessel. A common femoral artery minimum 
diameter of 6 mm is required to accommodate the iVAC2L. In the cathlab the pulmonary artery 
catheter (PAC) is placed and hemodynamic parameters will be obtained before the procedure and 10  
minutes after PulseCath activation. Subsequent hemodynamic parameters will be obtained after the 
target lesion intervention, after every subsequent PCI and after removal of the pump. 
In subjects randomized to the treatment arm, ultrasound-guided access to the common femoral artery 
will be obtained. The 17 Fr PulseCath iVAC 2L catheter will be introduced into the left ventricle.  After 
this PCI will be routinely performedaccording to local practice . After the procedure a vascular 
(pre)closure technique is used . Patients were followed up by phone after 30 days to assess outcomes. 
After this visit the study ends for the participant.  
 
 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
15
Figure 1. Flowchart UNLOAD CHIP trial 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
16
5. STUDY POPULATION 
5.1 
Population 
Consecutive patients, aged ≥18 years who are stabilized after admission for ACS or ADHF (SCAI A-B) 
with a severely impaired LVEF (<30%) in whom a clinical coronary angiogram shows extensive 
anatomical coronary artery disease (CAD), as described below, and in whom coronary 
revascularization with mechanical support by heart team consensus is considered, will be screened 
for eligibility by the site Principal or Sub-Principal Investigator (an interventional cardiologist or its 
designee).  
 
5.2 
Inclusion criteria 
-      Age ≥18 years 
- 
Multidisciplinary heart team consensus for high risk PCI +/-MCS = AND 
- 
SCAI A-B AND 
- 
LVEF <30% OR LVEF <35% with moderate MR OR LVEF <40% with severe MR: EF <40%) AND  
- 
Complex left main disease (calcium modifying techniques deemed necessary OR 2-stent 
techniques, left dominant system) OR equivalent (ostial LAD and RCX) OR last remaining vessel 
(native).  
NB: Revascularisation of other lesions (predominantly RCA outside the target lesion is 
discouraged, but is allowed if deemed as the optimal revascularisation strategy by the 
interventional cardiologist.  
 
5.3 
Exclusion criteria 
- 
Contraindications for Pulsecath IVAC2L: 
a. severe aortic regurgitation 
b. known presence of an LV thrombus (contrast echo/MRI) 
c.  Mechanical aorta valve prosthesis 
d. severe aortic valve stenosis  
e. peripheral arterial disease that would preclude placement of the PulseCath 
iVAC2L device 
- 
Cardiogenic shock defined as either SCAI CSWG stage C-E 
- 
Patient is intubated and mechanically ventilated 
- 
Stroke <3 months 
- 
Major bleeding event <3 months 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
17
- 
History of bleeding diathesis or known coagulopathy (including heparin-induced thrombo-
cytopenia), any recent GU or GI bleed, or will refuse blood transfusions.Renal replacement 
therapy  
- 
Pregnancy, or suspected thereof.  
- 
BMI > 35 
- 
Other medical, social, or psychological problems that, in the opinion of the Investigator, 
compromises the subject’s ability to give written informed consent and/or to comply with study 
procedures. 
- 
Subject belongs to a vulnerable population (defined as individuals with mental disability, persons 
in nursing homes, impoverished persons, homeless persons, nomads, refugees and those 
permanently incapable of giving informed consent; vulnerable populations also may include 
members of a group with a hierarchical structure such as university students, subordinate hospital 
and laboratory personnel, employees of the Sponsor, members of the armed forces and persons 
kept in detention) 
 
5.4 
Sample size calculation 
Since the magnitude of the effect, derived from limited observational studies and 2 RCT’s (of which 
one was prematurely terminated) in the targeted population, can be misleading and the intervention 
is highly invasive with high ethical relevance, we opted for a trial design with 2-sided alternatives. The 
most relevant in-hospital clinical events as a result of coronary obstruction during HR-PCI in patients 
with low cardiac ejection fraction are hemodynamic compromise resulting in cardiogenic shock, 
death, need for renal replacement therapy / mechanical ventilation and peri-procedural arrhythmia.  
The addressed clinical events reported in the present population vary according to differences in study 
design and definitions. Most data is retrospective.  
Cardiogenic shock was reported to occur in 25% in a registry investigating the targeted population in 
patients revascularized without hemodynamic support versus 5% occurrence with MCS (14). Due to 
the low number of patients, 20, this must be interpreted with caution. In the PROTECT II, a 
prematurely terminated RCT, cardiogenic shock was observed in 4% and 5% of the IABP- and Impella 
2.5 arm, respectively (5). No control arm (without MCS) was tested. In the only other RCT conducted, 
the BCIS I trial cardiogenic shock was not addressed (15). 
Cardiac death at 30 days is reported to be in the order of 9-12% in the PROTECT II, whereas in-hospital 
death, being part of the current primary endpoint, is reported to occur in 1-2% in the BCIS I trial. 
Renal replacement therapy, a surrogate marker for CS-severity and multi-organ failure, is a relevant 
endpoint for the current trial population / design. Only limited data on the need for dialysis is 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
18
available. Sukul et al.  reported an occurrence of 10% in an unsupported group vs 1% in the MCS-group 
(14). We could not trace data on the need for mechanical ventilation. Cardiac arrhythmia/CPR is 
reported to be in the order of 4% at 30-day in the PROTECT II study in the MCS arms. In-hospital or 
peri-procedural arrhythmia/CPR is not specified.  
Contrary, the risks associated with the introduction and use of large bore assist devices are substantial. 
A large US registry analysing complications between 2009 and 2018 of tMCS in HR-PCI reports a 
combined complication rate (stroke, tamponade, major bleeding, or vascular complication requiring 
treatment) of 19% of which major bleeds and vascular complications are the main drivers (16). An 
European registry reported an 11% incidence of device related complications mainly consisting of 
major bleeds and vascular complications requiring treatment in a cohort from 2004-2018 (9). 
 
The primary endpoint will be the composite of all-cause mortality, cardiogenic shock, (need for) renal 
replacement therapy / mechanical ventilation and arrhythmia requiring CPR. On review and 
extrapolation of available data together with advances in PCI tools and techniques used in HR-PCI 
during the last decade (the RCT’s were performed > 10 years ago) we assume the primary combined 
clinical (in-hospital) event rate to be 25% in the unsupported arm and 5% in the MCS facilitated arm.  
 
The study is designed as an adaptive two-stage randomized trial with a definitive determination of the 
sample size at the transition from stage 1 to stage 2. The funding of the trial at it first submission (per 
November 2022) permits a total inclusion of 98 (= 2 x 49) patients into the trial.  We estimated that 
the standard-of-care regimen would be associated with an in-hospital event rate for the primary 
endpoint of 25%. Enrolment of 2 x 49 patients in stage 1 provides the trial with 80% power to show 
superiority of the PulseCath iVAC2L based regimen over the standard-of-care based regimen under an 
assumed reduction of the in-hospital combined clinical event rate from 25% to 5%, corresponding with 
relative risk reduction of 80%.  
The adaptive design includes a definitive determination of the sample size when the in-hospital 
outcomes of the first 90 patients have been adjudicated by the Clinical Event Committee. We 
calculated that inclusion of 2 x 167 patients provides the trial with 80% power under an assumed 
reduction of the in-hospital event rate from 25% to 13%, being an absolute risk and a reduction 
(Relative Risk 0,5)  that is still considered clinically relevant balancing the net clinical positive effect 
and the vascular/bleeding risks associated with the introduction and usage of the device.   
The sample-size re-estimation will be carried out according to the following 3 steps by an independent 
statistician. 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
19
1. 
the sample size will not be increased if the interim data show a benefit for the PulseCath 
iVAC2L-based regimen with a conditional power of at least 90% for a sample size of 2 x 
49 under the assumption of a relative risk reduction of 80%. 
2. 
the planned sample size will be increased to 2 x 167 in the presence of a positive signal 
in the observed event rates for primary endpoint (Relative Risk < 0.70) and a conditional 
power between 30% and 80%. 
3. 
The definitive sample size will not be increased in the absence of sufficiently positive 
signals in the observed events for the primary endpoint and a conditional power < 30% 
(futility). 
 
The Steering Committee will share the observed in-hospital event rates in the first 90 patients with 
potential grant givers. The determination of the sample size at 2 x 167 patients will only be effectuated 
if adequate funding is obtained. 
No formal statistical testing is foreseen in the review of the in-hospital outcomes of the first 90 
patients. Therefore, final testing of the superiority hypothesis for the primary endpoint is performed 
at an alpha level of 5%.  
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
20
6. TREATMENT OF SUBJECTS 
The study will be performed according to the guidelines of the latest version of the Helsinki 
Declaration. The present study will follow the most recent International Good Clinical Practice 
guidelines. The primary procedure is considered standard clinical practice. All patients will undergo a 
standard clinical work-up including ecg, laboratory, echocardiogram, coronary angiogram and imaging 
of the femoral artery (echo or CT). The CHIP PCI is performed by either the radial or femoral approach 
with standard coronary catheterization techniques. The PulseCath iVAC2L is positioned via the femoral 
artery. 
 
As for both groups additional assessments include: 
- 
Laboratory / blood gas analysis 
- 
Pulmonary 
artery 
catheterization 
(PAC) 
and 
derived 
measurements  
- 
LVEDP measurements. 
- 
30 day follow-up by phone. 
 
6.1 
PulseCath iVAC2L group 
The PAC will be placed under echographic guidance in the femoral vein. After blood gas analysis and 
PAC derived measurements including CO/CI/CPO and LVEDP, an interventional cardiologist will 
implant the Pulsecath iVAC2L by an echographic guided (femoral arterial) puncture. Unfractionated 
heparin in a therapeutic dose, with activated clotting time of >300s with check of the activated clotting 
time every 30 min, will be given, unless the patient had an indication for therapeutic anticoagulation.  
 
After this the PulseCath iVAC2L will be placed.  A vascular preclosure technique was used (two Perclose 
ProGlide® Suture-Mediated Closure systems; Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA). A 18 Fr SoloPath 
sheath was inserted. The aortic valve was crossed with a pigtail catheter; an Amplatz Super-Stiff™ 
guidewire (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) was shaped and inserted through the pigtail into 
the left ventricular apex. The pigtail was then exchanged for the 17 Fr PulseCath iVAC 2L catheter. Its 
distal tip should be seated halfway into the left ventricular cavity and the valve housing with its side 
opening in the ascending aorta. After introduction, the membrane pump was filled with heparinized 
saline and air-free connected to the catheter and the IABP console. In this study, we used the 
Datescope CS300® IABP console. In participating centers other devices may be used. The two-way 
valve would guide the blood during pump aspiration from the tip of the catheter to the membrane 
pump, and during pump ejection from the membrane pump to the side opening in the valve housing, 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
21
thus generating pulsatile flow. Iterations to the procedure described above are allowed but should 
adhere to best local practice.  
 
The PulseCath iVAC2L device will be activated. After the device is turned on, additional PAC 
measurements are obtained 10 minutes after pump activation. Hereafter, hemodynamic 
measurements are obtained after the PCI of the target lesion, and after every subsequent PCI. The 
CHIP PCI is thereafter executed according to standard clinical practice. Revascularisation outside the 
target lesion is discouraged but is allowed if deemed necessary by the interventional cardiologist.  
 After the procedure, the patient will be weaned from the device. The level of support is 
subsequently lowered to 1:2 or 1:3. If deemed hemodynamically stable the device could be safely 
removed Subsequently, 10 minutes after pump removal the last hemodynamic measurements and 
blood gas are obtained and the PAC is removed. The femoral sheath was removed and the artery 
was closed according to local practicementioned above. If the operator decides to start 
inotropic/vasoactive therapy, escalate to rescue MCS or discontinues the procedure because of 
hemodynamic instability, hemodynamic measurements and blood from the pulmonary artery 
catheter may be withdrawn, (lactate, pH and MvO2%). 
 
In case of inability to wean the patient from the device, the device is allowed to remain in situ for a 
maximum time frame of 24 hours. After the 24 hour time period the device has to be removed.  
Further treatment is at the discretion of the treating physician.  
 
6.2 
Control group 
The PAC will be placed according to local practice. After blood gas analysis and PAC derived 
measurements are obtained the CHIP is executed according to standard clinical practice. Angiographic 
significant distal CAD within the index arterie(s) (with an anticipated normal coronary artery lumen of 
3.0mm) may be revascularized during the index procedure.  
Hemodynamic measurements are obtained after the PCI of the target lesion, and after every 
subsequent PCI.  If the operator decides to start inotropic/vasoactive therapy, escalate to rescue 
MCS or discontinues the procedure because of hemodynamic instability, hemodynamic 
measurements and blood from the pulmonary artery catheter may be withdrawn (lactate, pH and 
MvO2%). 
Ten minutes after the procedure is finished, additional blood gas analysis, PAC measurements and 
LVEDP will be obtained. Hereafter, the PAC will be removed. Further treatment is at the discretion of 
the treating physician.  
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
22
 
6.3 
Clinical deterioration  
If study patients deteriorate (progression of HD parameters and biochemistry alterations as 
specifically defined for SCAI CSWG stage C, D or E) the primary endpoint is reached. Further treatment 
will be provided as deemed appropriate by the treating physician.  
 
PulseCath iVAC2L arm: 
If patients remain unable to wean from the device (<6h post-procedural) this is seen as clinical 
deterioration (SCAI C-E), and accordingly the primary endpoint is reached.  
If patient deteriorates during PulseCath iVAC2L, and escalation is required in the form of additional 
inotropes or another form of MCS, this is also seen as clinical deterioration and the primary endpoint 
is reached. 
 
Control arm: 
Either inotropic treatment or rescue MCS is not withhold if deemed necessary by the treating 
physician. If patients receive inotropes/rescue MCS during PCI this is considered clinical deterioration 
to SCAI C-E (depending on biochemical and hemodynamic parameters) and the primary endpoint is 
reached. 
 
6.4 
Long-term treatment 
Subjects randomized to both the PulseCath iVAC2L and control arm will be treated based on the 
contemporary AHA/ACC/SCAI and ESC practice guidelines for Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) in 
Patients Presenting with (or without) Persistent ST-Segment Elevation AND/OR The diagnosis and 
Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure. Both during their index admission and over the duration 
of the follow-up period 
 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
23
7. METHODS 
7.1 
Study parameters / endpoints 
7.1.1 
Primary endpoint 
Combined Clinical endpoint (timeline: ‘Clinical’ is defined as 30 days after index PCI): 
- 
All-cause death  
- 
SCAI stage C-E  
- 
(Need for) renal replacement therapy  
- 
(Need for) mechanical ventilation  
- 
-Peri or –post procedural ventricular arrhythmias leading to loss 
of cardiac output requiring CPR) 
 
7.1.2 
Secondary endpoints 
Efficacy endpoints: 
- 
PCWP (Δ max) (Time Frame: periprocedural) 
- 
LVEDP (Δ max) (Time Frame: periprocedural) 
- 
CO / CI / CPO (Δ max) (Time Frame: periprocedural) 
- 
SvO2 (Time Frame: periprocedural) 
- 
Drop in  arterial pressure (MAP <60) for >10 minutes (Time 
Frame: periprocedural] 
- 
Protected procedural success of Pulsecath iVAC2L [Time Frame: 
Periprocedural] 
- 
Procedural success of Pulsecath iVAC2L [Time frame: <6 hours 
post-PCI] 
- 
Highest Vasoactive Inotropic Score (Time Frame: hospitalisation) 
- 
Rescue pVAD implantation (Time Frame: hospitalisation) 
- 
Length of hospital stay (Time frame: hospitalisation) 
- 
Cardiovascular death (Time frame: 30-day) 
- 
Major adverse cardiovascular cerebral events (MACCE) (Time 
frame:30-day) 
- 
Stroke (Time frame: 30-day) 
- 
PCI related myocardial infarction (time frame: 48 hours) 
- 
Myocardial infarction (Time frame: 30-day) 
- 
Re-hospitalization or urgent hospital visit for heart failure (time 
frame 30-day) 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
24
Safety endpoints: 
- 
Major vascular events (Time Frame: 30-day) 
- 
Limb ischemia (Time Frame: 30-day) 
- 
Bleeding events (BARC 3 and 5) (Time Frame: 30-day) 
- 
Aortic valve injury (Time Frame: 30-day) 
 
7.2 
Randomization, blinding and treatment allocation 
Prior to randomization, the site Principal or Sub-Principal Investigator will review the patient data and 
the Inclusion and Exclusion criteria to ensure that the patient is eligible for the study. Adjusticationof 
echocardiographic data (LVEF <30%) during the heart team is decisive. If subsequent 
echocardiography after the heart team decision shows an LVEF >30% this is not considered an 
exclusion criterium, and patient is still eligible for the study. Patients that meet the in- and exclusion 
criteria will be asked for informed consent (Time Frame: 24 hours). If informed consent is obtained. 
The patient will be randomised to the PulseCath iVAC2L arm or the standard of care (no-MCS) arm 
and are stratified based on the presence of severe mitral regurgitation. We will be using an interactive 
Web-based randomization system, Castor EDC. The trial design and intervention does not allow 
blinding. Hereafter the study continues as described in chapter 6.   
 
7.3 
Study procedures and observations 
7.3.1 
Baseline information 
The data from the following assessments will be collected: 
1. 
History (including ethnicity) and physical examination. This assessment at baseline is targeted 
to assess subject eligibility for study participation. The collection of ethnicity is important for 
us, as research results often do not reflect the representativeness of the diverse composition 
of society. Therefore it is important for generalization of the results in future publication.  
2. 
Echocardiogram (if not already present during admission) 
3. 
12-lead electrocardiogram. 
4. 
Laboratory values. 
5. 
Cardiovascular medication. 
6.           Initial coronary angiogram 
7.           Ischemia and viability testing modalities (if available) 
8.         CT-angiography or Doppler femoral arteries 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
25
7.3.2 
Laboratory 
- 
Baseline (before procedure), 2 hours after procedure and 24 hours after procedure: Hb, 
Thrombocytes (baseline only), kreatinine (eGFR), ureum, ALT, NT-proBNP, lactate 
- 
Cardiac enzymes (hs-troponin T and CK-MB) are measured at baseline (as described above) and 
every six hours until the highest levels were reached  
- 
Blood gas analysis including atleast MvO2, lactate, pH. Analysed before and after PCI. Furthermore 
it is determined when decided to escalate during PCI to inotropes/vasopressors/mechanical 
support  
- 
During admission laboratory parameters are collected to define SCAI CS stage only if deemed 
necessary by the treating physician. This consists of the following: creatinine, eGFR, 
arterial/venous blood gas (pH, lactate) and amino L-transferase.  
 
7.3.3 
Hemodynamic indices 
Hemodynamics, i.e. vital parameters (mean arterial pressure (MAP, mmHg, heart rate), left ventricular 
end-diastolic pressure(LVEDP) pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP, mmHg) and pulmonary 
artery pressure (PAP, mmHg), pulmonary pulsatility index (PAPI), right atrial pressure (RAP, mmHg) 
and cardiac output / index (CO / CI / CPO) will be determined once the PAC is in situ.  
Moreover, clinically relevant blood pressure drops will be monitored throughout the procedure.  
 
The PulseCath iVAC2L arm:  
After insertion and activation of the device, additional PAC derived measurements will be obtained 
after 10 minutes. Hereafter, hemodynamic measurements are obtained after the PCI of the target 
lesion, and after every subsequent PCI. If hemodynamically stable the device is turned off, and 
removed. It is not required to assess ACT before removal.  Subsequently, 10 minutes after pump 
removal the last hemodynamic measurements are obtained and the PAC is removed. If the operator 
decides to start inotropic/vasoactive therapy, escalate to rescue MCS or discontinues the procedure 
because of hemodynamic instability, hemodynamic measurements and blood from the pulmonary 
artery catheter may be withdrawn, (lactate, pH and MvO2%).NOTE; If patient is unable to wean from 
the PulseCath iVAC2L additional PAC derived measurements and vital parameters will be retrieved 
each two hours until the PulseCath iVAC2L is removed.  
 
Control arm: 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
26
Hemodynamic measurements are obtained after the PCI of the target lesion, and after every 
subsequent PCI..  Ten minutes after the CHIP PCI additional PAC derived measurements and vitals are 
obtained.  
 
Inotropes & mechanical circulatory support(MCS) 
Cumulative dose of inotropes, and MCS deployment will be monitored during the full duration of 
admission. 
 
 
Catherization laboratory 
During the procedure information about PCI techniques, stenting, vascular access and invasive 
measurements are gathered. Moreover, information about procedure time, cardiac scoring sytems, 
fluoroscopy time, radiation DAP, skin dose, amount of contrast and ACT times are also gathered.  
 
7.3.4 
Index admission 
Clinical stability will be evaluated for at least 1 day after the procedure before patient is discharged 
from the hospital.  
 
7.3.5. Follow-up 
After 30 (±5) days a follow-up by phone will be made to assess outcomes and SAE’s.  
 
7.3.6 
Study completion 
Study completion occurs when the subject has completed the final scheduled follow-up. At a 
minimum, every effort should be made to document subject vital status for every visit. 
Subject participation in the trial will conclude upon completion of the 30-days follow-up, death or a 
withdraw of consent by the subject. 
All reasonable efforts will be made to obtain complete data for all subjects; however, missing 
observations will occur due to loss to follow-up, withdrawal, or non-adherence with required 
assessments.  
Three attempts will be made to contact subjects who do not return for study follow-up visits. The final 
attempt shall include a certified letter to the subject regarding study participation. If these subjects 
cannot be located, they will be considered lost to follow-up. If they are contacted but refuse to return 
for visits, they will be considered withdrawals. If possible subjects who withdraw from the study 
should have a final study visit with physical examination and evaluation of concomitant medications 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
27
and adverse events. This visit information will be maintained in the study database and used for 
analysis purposes, as appropriate. No additional subjects will be recruited to replace any subjects lost 
to follow-up.    
 
7.4 
Withdrawal of individual subjects 
Subjects may withdraw from the clinical trial at any time without jeopardy or prejudice. If a subject 
prematurely terminates from the study, the reason for study termination will be recorded and the 
results will be tabulated by number and percent for each arm of the study. If termination is a result of 
an serious adverse event (not being a clinical endpoint), an serious adverse Event eCRF will also be 
completed. Subjects who withdraw consent after treatment will have their data evaluated until the 
time of their withdrawal. 
 
7.5 
Replacement of individual after withdrawal 
Subjects will not be replaced after withdrawal from the trial unless a subject withdraw his or her 
consent before the randomization process.  
 
7.6 
Follow-up of subjects withdrawn from treatment 
Subjects that withdraw from the trial will be offered guideline directed care and will be followed up 
by their treating physician according to local protocol/policy as deemed necessary. 
 
7.7 
Premature termination of the study 
The Sponsor reserves the right to temporarily suspend or prematurely discontinue the study either at 
a single site, multiple sites, or at all sites at any time for reasons including, but are not limited to, safety 
or ethical issues, inaccurate or incomplete data recording, non-compliance, or unsatisfactory 
enrolment with respect to quality or quantity. The follow-up visits will continue for all randomized 
subjects. The DSMB can advise the principal investigator on safety issues. If the study is prematurely 
terminated or suspended, the sponsor will, as soon as possible but within 15 days, provide a written 
statement to the METC and the Investigators of the participating centers to enable prompt notification 
of their METC.  
 
Table 1. Schedule of measurements and observations 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
28
Baseline 
Procedure 
Day procedure 
Day after procedure 
Other days randomization 
Discharge 
30 day follow-up 
Informed Consent 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Clinical In-/exclusion criteria 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demographics 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Medical History 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
Physical Examination 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Concomitant Medication 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12-lead ECG 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Laboratory panel 
x 
x 
x 
x 
X 
(if 
applic
able) 
 
 
Echocardiogram 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial coronary angiography 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ischemia & vitality testing  
X (if 
appl
icabl
e 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Imaging for assessing femoral access 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hemodynamic assessment 
x 
x 
x 
X 
X 
 
 
PAC measurements 
 
x 
X (if 
appli
cable
) 
X 
(if 
applic
able) 
X 
(if 
applic
able) 
 
 
Catherization laboratory/blood gas 
data 
 
X 
X (if 
appli
cable
) 
X 
(if 
applic
able) 
X 
(if 
applic
able) 
 
 
Randomization 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inotrope assessment 
 
x 
x 
X 
X 
 
 
Adverse Events 
x 
x 
x 
x 
X 
x 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
29
8. SAFETY REPORTING 
8.1 
Temporary halt for reasons of subject safety 
In accordance to section 10, subsection 4, of the WMO, the sponsor will suspend the study if there is 
sufficient ground that continuation of the study will jeopardise subject health or safety.  The sponsor 
will notify the accredited METC without undue delay of a temporary halt including the reason for such 
an action. The study will be suspended pending a further positive decision by the accredited METC. 
The investigator will take care that all subjects are kept informed. 
 
8.2  
AEs, SAEs, UADEs and DFs 
8.2.3 
Unanticipated Adverse Device Effect 
An Unanticipated Adverse Device Effect (UADE) is defined as any adverse effect on the study subject’s 
health or safety, or any life-threatening problem or death caused by or associated with the device. 
Also, the effect must not have been previously identified in the Investigational Plan or Instructions for 
Use (IFU) in its nature, frequency or severity. UADEs may also include other serious problems 
associated with the device that affect the rights or welfare of study subjects. 
Any Unanticipated Adverse Device Effect occurring during the study must be reported to the study 
Sponsor or its agent, within 7 days after the investigator learns of the event. 
 
8.2.1 
Adverse Event (AE) 
An adverse event (AE) is any undesirable clinical occurrence (any sign, symptom, illness, abnormal 
laboratory value or other medical event) that occurs in a subject (or an event that worsens) during the 
study,  whether or not considered related to intervention. These adverse events do not have to be 
reported separately in the eCRF by filling in an ‘SAE’ form’ as AE’s are captured in the eCRF. All adverse 
events other than the SAE’s and unanticipated adverse device effects(UADE) do not have to be 
reported. 
 
8.2.2 
Serious Adverse Event (SAE) 
A serious adverse event is any untoward medical occurrence or effect that  
- 
results in death; 
- 
is life threatening (at the time of the event); 
- 
requires hospitalisation or prolongation of existing inpatients’ hospitalisation; 
- 
results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity; 
- 
is a congenital anomaly or birth defect; or 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
30
- 
any other important medical event that did not result in any of the outcomes listed above due  
to medical or surgical intervention but could have been based upon appropriate judgement  
by the investigator. 
NOTE: Planned hospitalization for a pre-existing condition or elective cosmetic procedures, or a 
procedure required by the investigational plan without serious deterioration in health, is not 
considered a serious adverse event. 
The investigator shall report serious adverse events to the sponsor without undue delay after 
obtaining knowledge of the events. However, life threatening events during the HRPCI that cannot be 
attributed to UADE’s or device failures and malfunctions will not be reported as SAE, as they are part 
of the natural course and/or current treatment practice (i.e ‘lege artis’) of complex higher risk 
indicated patients. Also life threatening events during the HRPCI will not have to be reported as line-
listing as this is already captured in the eCRF. The sponsor will report the SAEs through the web portal 
ToetsingOnline to the accredited METC that approved the protocol, within 7 days of first knowledge 
for SAEs that result in death or are life threatening followed by a period of maximum of 8 days to 
complete the initial preliminary report. All other SAEs will be reported within a period of maximum 15 
days after the sponsor has first knowledge of the serious adverse events. 
 
The investigator shall report serious adverse events to the sponsor without undue delay after 
obtaining knowledge of the events, unless, for certain serious adverse events, the protocol provides 
that no immediate reporting is required. The sponsor will report the SAEs through the web portal 
ToetsingOnline  to the accredited METC that approved the protocol, within 7 days of first knowledge 
for SAEs that result in death or are life threatening followed by a period of maximum of 8 days to 
complete the initial preliminary report. All other SAEs will be reported within a period of maximum 15 
days after the sponsor has first knowledge of the serious adverse events. 
 
8.2.4 
Device Failures and Malfunctions 
Investigators are instructed to report all possible device failures or malfunctions observed during the 
trial. A device malfunction is an unexpected change in study device performance that is contradictory 
to the IFU and IDE and/or negatively impacts the treatment when used according to the IFU and IDE. 
All device failures and malfunctions will be documented on the appropriate CRF.  
In case of a malfunction the device must be sent back to the manufacturer for investigation. This 
process is independent of the clinical trial and must be done every time a malfunction occurs. The trial 
will be continued and is unaffected by a malfunction of the device. The device must be returned to 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
31
the manufacturer within 5 working days. Instructions for returning the investigational device will be 
provided. If a device malfunction occurs during the mandatory support period of the trial, an 
immediate device exchange has to be performed.   
The report of study results will include information on all device failures and malfunctions.  
NOTE: Device failures or malfunctions are NOT to be reported as serious adverse events. However, if 
there were an serious adverse event that results from a device failure or malfunction, that specific 
event would be recorded in the usual manner on the SAE eCRF. 
 
8.3  
Annual safety report 
The accredited IRB will receive an overview of all SAE’s annually. 
 
8.4 
Follow-up of serious adverse events 
The Investigator should follow all serious adverse events until the events are resolved, the subject is 
lost to follow-up, the subject has withdrawn consent, the subject completes the study, or the serious 
adverse event is otherwise explained. All SAEs will be followed until they have abated, or until a stable 
situation has been reached. Depending on the event, follow up may require additional tests or medical 
procedures as indicated, and/or referral to the general physician or a medical specialist. 
SAEs need to be reported till end of study within the Netherlands, as defined in the protocol. 
 
8.5 
Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) 
The Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) provides periodic data safety monitoring. This Committee 
is designed to comply with policies and guidelines of regulatory bodies under which the clinical 
investigation is performed and Good Clinical Practices (GCP). 
The DSMB will carefully review individual safety events and examine any statistical analyses presented 
from the composite trial data. Through direct interaction and meeting minutes, the DSMB will alert 
the Steering Committee to any areas of concern but does not make decisions about the trial.  
The committee initially reviews safety issues after 25 patients. The review includes unexpected serious 
adverse events, mortality, stroke and bleeding.  After the initial review the DSMB will meet after 
inclusion of 50 patients. The wishes of the DSMB and needs of the trial office will be considered when 
planning each meeting.  
The advice(s) of the DSMB will only be sent to the sponsor of the study. Should the sponsor decide 
not to fully implement the advice of the DSMB, the sponsor will send the advice to the reviewing 
METC, including a note to substantiate why (part of) the advice of the DSMB will not be followed. 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
32
8.6 
Steering Committee  
The Steering Committee is an expert advisory leadership group that provides scientific and medical 
input on trial design, data collection, data analyses and interpretation of results. The Steering 
Committee includes all the National Principal Investigators. The Steering Committee is the main policy 
and decision-making committee of the study and has final responsibility for the scientific conduct of 
the study. It represents the opinion from the Investigators. The specific tasks of the Steering 
committee are to (1) approve the study protocol; (2) approve amendments to the protocol; (3) 
establish the organizational structure; (4) select the Clinical Centers; (5) select the members of the 
various committees; (6) review the activities of the study committees and change these committees 
if found necessary, (7) act upon recommendations of the Data Safety Monitoring Board; (8) review 
(performance) results / reports of the clinical centers; (9) resolve operational problems; (10) approve 
study reports and papers for publication.  
The Steering Committee is charged with driving commitment to the trial, motivating investigational 
sites, encouraging patient recruitment, and producing high quality data. 
The Steering Committee meets at least 2 times per year and at the request of the Data and Safety 
Monitoring Board. 
 
8.7 
Clinical Events Committee 
The independent Clinical Events Committee (CEC) will be responsible for adjudicating defined clinical 
events (all clinical efficacy and safety endpoints) for the study. The CEC will be comprised of physicians 
from the fields of cardiology/interventional cardiology experienced with the safety issues specific to 
mechanical circulatory support, who are not investigators in the trial, nor are they part of another 
committee. 
A designated reviewer, either a highly experienced clinician or a physician, will review all SAEs, UADE’s, 
device failures and malfunctions and related event data to determine whether the event could 
potentially meet the protocol definition for a primary endpoint, secondary endpoints or safety 
endpoint. If the event could potentially meet the protocol definition, the clinical event is coded and 
summarized for presentation to the (blinded) CEC.  
The members of the CEC will review all data, adjudicate the event and determine whether a causal 
relationship to the investigational treatment or device exists. The CEC adjudication will then be 
incorporated into the clinical trial database for statistical analysis. 
The CEC will meet regularly to review and adjudicate defined SAEs and defined Adverse Events and 
clinical study endpoints according to the CEC Manual of Procedures. The CEC will also review and rule 
on all deaths that occur throughout the trial. 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
33
9.  STATISTICAL METHODS AND ANALYSIS 
9.1 
General considerations 
Statistical analysis is performed using IBM SPSS statistics. If not stated otherwise, all efficacy and the 
safety analyses are based on findings as confirmed by the Clinical Event Committee (CEC). 
 
9.2 
Analyses sets 
Full analysis population (FAS) consists of all randomized subjects. Subjects are categorized according 
to the group to which they were assigned by the randomization process. 
 
9.3 
Main analysis of the primary endpoint 
The study was designed to test the following hypothesis: The PulseCath iVAC2L is superior to the 
standard of care (No MCS) in terms of the incidence of the primary endpoints.  
Main analysis of the primary endpoint is performed in the FAS population under application of the 
Intention-to-treat principle that is, events are counted irrespective of their occurrence relative to early 
or unanticipated termination of randomized regimen.  
Rates of primary endpoints are estimated as the proportion of patients in whom one of the primary 
endpoints has occurred during hospitalisation. 
Rate Differences (RD) are defined as the rate under the PulseCath iVAC2L regimen minus that under 
the standard-of-care regimen. 
Superiority of the PulseCath iVAC2L-based regimen in terms of the primary endpoint(s) is declared if 
the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the Rate Difference lies below 0%.  The method of Farrington and 
Manning will be used to calculate the 95% confidence interval for the between-group Rate Difference 
of the primary end point. Use of the 95% CI is equivalent to superiority testing with the Farrington & 
Manning test for the Rate Difference (H0: RD = 0) with a two-sided type I error (α) of 0.05. 
 
9.4 
Analyses of the secondary endpoints 
No formal statistical analyses with hypothesis testing are foreseen for secondary endpoints. The 
statistical analyses are focused on effect estimation with corresponding 95%-confidence intervals. P-
values may be provided for descriptive purposes. 
Binary secondary endpoints are analysed with the methodology that is being used for the primary 
endpoint. Time-to-event secondary endpoints are analysed as 95% confidence intervals for the 
designated time point. Rate Differences are calculated according to the method of Com-Nougue, with 
the use of the Kaplan-Meier estimates and Greenwood estimators of the standard error. Quantitative 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
34
secondary endpoints are analysed with the methodology of the two-sample t-test or the Mann-
Whitney U-test, as appropriate. 
For the vital parameters and PAC derived measurements (peri-procedural) a mean value will be 
calculated for each parameter. The mean value will be used for statistical testing. 
 
9.5 
Interim analyses 
No formal interim analysis for efficacy is planned for this study. Interim study reports with descriptive 
analysis will be produced by an independent statistician for sample size calculation, for 
reimbursement purposes and are shared with the DSMB.  
 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
35
10. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS 
10.1 
Regulation statement 
The trial will be conducted in compliance with the protocol, principles of the Declaration of Helsinki 
(Fortaleza, 2013), WMO, ICH-Good Clinical Practice, as well as local regulations and applicable 
regulatory requirements. 
 
10.2 
Recruitment and consent 
The treating cardiologist will approach potential eligible patients to participate in the study. After 
agreement to participate patients are being asked by the cardiologist if an investigator may approach 
them to ask for informed consent.  
An Informed consent approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) will be reviewed with the 
patient and all patients will be required to confirm their consent with their signature. Consent 
signature will be obtained for all patients prior to any study-specific screening/baseline tests or 
procedures (like a femoral angiogram or LVEDP measurement). This does not include those 
procedures or tests that may be obtained in the normal course of the patient’s non-study related care 
and are considered standard-of-care (like admission biochemistry, echocardiogram, CT etc).  
Prior to inclusion in the study, it is the responsibility of the Investigator to give each patient (or 
subject’s representative) full and adequate verbal and written information about the objectives and 
the procedures of the study and the possible risks involved. The patients will be informed about their 
right to withdraw from the study at any time and for any reason without sanction, penalty, or loss of 
benefits to which they are otherwise entitled and that withdrawal from the study will not jeopardize 
future medical care. The consent form must be signed and dated by both the investigator and the 
patient. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the Investigator to obtain a signed Informed Consent 
form from each patient prior to performing any study-related procedures. Informed consent 
documents will be written to be understandable to the subject. All patients providing informed 
consent are to receive copies of their signed informed consent documentation. The information is 
intended to give each participant a thorough understanding of the purpose and the nature of the trial, 
the cooperation required, anticipated benefits, and potential hazards of the study. The investigator 
also explains that the patient is completely free to refuse or to withdraw from the trial and that if he 
does so he receives standard treatment with the same degree of care.  
Patients will have at least 24 hours to consider participation. An independent physician will be 
available for extra information, if desired. 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
36
10.3 
Benefits and risk assessment  
All patients who have consented and who are included in trial will have an indication for CHIP PCI as 
decided in the heart team. The clinical equipoise of mechanical circulatory support (in this case, 
PulseCath iVAC2L) use during CHIP PCI for hemodynamic support on the one hand, but the risks for 
device related complications on the other allows for use of the PulseCath iVAC2L or use of no support. 
Percutaneous mechanical circulatory support is a widely accepted and applied treatment modality in 
high-risk, complex PCI. Further explanation about evidence is given in chapter 2.1.  In patients with a 
high-risk for peri-and post procedural hemodynamic instability the benefit outweighs the associated 
complications. Since there are no randomized controlled trials which prefers no-MCS support over 
MCS support during CHIP PCI, patients will not be exposed to extra known risk due to randomization 
in the trial. 
Conclusion: The benefits outweigh the associated risks 
 
10.4 
Compensation for injury 
The investigator has a liability insurance which is in accordance with article 7 of the WMO.  
The sponsor has also an insurance which is in accordance with the legal requirements in the 
Netherlands (Article 7 WMO). This insurance provides cover for damage to research subjects through 
injury or death caused by the study. The insurance applies to the damage that becomes apparent 
during the study or within 4 years after the end of the study. 
 
10.5 
Incentives 
There will be no reimbursement for study participation.  
 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
37
11. ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS, MONITORING AND PUBLICATION 
11.1  
Handling and storage of data and documents 
Standardized electronic case report forms (eCRF) will be used to collect complete and accurate records 
of the clinical data from the UNLOAD-CHIP trial according to GCP requirements. The Investigator 
and/or study staff under his/her direction is responsible for accurately recording the clinical data and 
submitting it to the Sponsor in a timely manner. CRF and source documentation will be monitored 
following the monitor plan as provided by the Clinical Monitor Center (CMC) in conjunction with the 
Clinical Research Unit (CRU) of the AUMC.  
Data entry for the study will only be performed by trained site staff (i.e. local Clinical Research 
Coordinator and/or Research Fellow Cardiology (PhD candidate or designee) of the Principal Institute). 
All enrolled subjects and screen failures will be entered into the database. The pertinent data to be 
collected will be captured in the medical record and entered into the electronic CRF by the designee 
at the participating site. Data will be retained for 15 year. 
The Institution and the Principal Investigator shall prepare, maintain and retain complete, current, 
accurate, organized and legible Study Documentation (as defined below) in a manner acceptable for 
the collection of data for submission to, or review by, the regulatory, competent or governmental 
authorities, and in full compliance with the Protocol and all Applicable Laws.  
“Study Documentation” includes all records (related to the Study Device or Protocol), accounts, notes, 
reports and data, collected, generated or used in connection with the Study and all reports and records 
necessary for the evaluation and reconstruction of the Study. 
Data entered in the EDC system will be automatically saved to a central database and changes tracked 
to provide an audit trail. The Principal Investigator will be notified to sign the CRF electronically as per 
the agreed project process and data will be locked to prevent further editing. The Principal 
Investigator’s electronic signature shall be the legally binding equivalent to a handwritten signature. 
If medical records of Study Subjects are held in a computerized medical system, such system must be 
in full compliance with European regulations on electronic medical records and signatures. 
To handle data confidentially and encoding, a subject identification code (existing out of 5 numbers, 
according to CCMO guidelines) list will be used to link the data to the subject. This code will not be 
based on patient initials and birth-date. The key to the code will be safeguarded by the investigator. 
The investigator will maintain all Study Documentation / records pertaining to this trial for fifteen 
years following trial completion, or as otherwise instructed by the CRU, or per local requirements 
whichever is longer. Published data will not be traceable to the individual patient.  
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
38
11.2  
Monitoring and Quality Assurance 
A Clinical Research Organization (CURIUS) and a Clinical Monitoring Center (CMC) will be appointed 
to collect (e.g. Uploading redacted source documentation to a study portal) of the necessary source 
documents for the evaluation and reconstruction of the clinical and hospital course of the subjects. 
Source documents include, but are not limited to, death certificate, autopsy report, laboratory 
reports, echocardiograms, ultrasound report, cardiac catheterization logs and cardiac catheterization 
reports, subject discharge reports. Additional records may be requested for any other procedure 
performed in accordance with the study protocol.  
A Clinical Monitoring Center (CMC) will be appointed to monitor and oversee the conduct of the study. 
The Sponsor and/or CMC designee will conduct investigational site monitoring in conjunction with the 
CRU of the AUMC to ensure that all Investigators are in compliance with the Protocol and the 
Investigators’ agreements. In cases of the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the study sites’ ability to 
allow for site visits, as well as travel restrictions that may be in place by the Sponsor and/or CMC, 
these visits may be done remotely, as outlined in the Monitoring Plan.  
The Sponsor and/or CMC designee will monitor the sites to ensure that the completed eCRFs agree 
with the source documentation and other records and resolve any differences. Periodic phone 
contacts and site visits will be conducted to ensure that the Protocol is being followed. 
For record verification purposes, the clinical monitor will be provided access to hospital records, 
original laboratory data, and other records and data as they relate to the study and as agreed to with 
the Investigator prior to the initiation of the trial. The Investigator will also make available to the 
clinical monitor all regulatory documents, all completed eCRFs, informed consent documents, and 
source documents for screened and enrolled subjects at the site. It is important that the Investigator 
and other relevant site personnel are available for consultation with the clinical monitor during the 
monitoring visits and that sufficient time is devoted at the site to the monitoring process. 
If the Sponsor and/or their authorized representative become aware that an Investigator is not 
complying with the study Protocol, the Investigator Agreement, competent authority’s Regulations, 
the Declaration of Helsinki (if applicable), applicable privacy standards, or any condition of the study 
imposed by the IRB, the Sponsor or their authorized representative may immediately secure 
compliance or halt study enrollment. An inability to secure compliance and/or to complete an 
investigation to identify factors contributing to non-compliance may result in the Investigator and site 
termination from the study participation by the Sponsor. 
The CRU / CMC will review significant new information, including unanticipated serious adverse events 
and ensure that such information is provided to the national regulatory agencies (as applicable), the 
Investigators, and to all reviewing IRBs. 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
39
11.3  
Amendments 
Amendments are changes made to the research after a favourable opinion by the accredited 
IRB has been given. All amendments will be notified to the IRB that gave a favourable opinion. 
 
11.4  
Annual progress report 
The sponsor/investigator will submit a summary of the progress of the trial to the accredited 
IRB once a year. Information will be provided on the date of inclusion of the first subject, 
numbers of subjects included and numbers of subjects that have completed the trial, serious 
adverse events, other problems, and amendments. 
 
11.5  
End of study (report) 
Study close-out visits will be conducted after the final follow-up visit is completed at each site 
following the resolution of any outstanding data discrepancies and adverse events. The investigator 
will notify the accredited IRB of the end of the study within a period of 8 weeks. The end of the study 
is defined as the last patient’s last visit.  
The sponsor will notify the IRB immediately of a temporary halt of the study, including the reason of 
such an action. 
In case the study is ended prematurely, the investigator will notify the accredited IRB within 15 days, 
including the reasons for the premature termination.  
Within one year after the end of the study, the investigator will submit a final study report with the 
results of the study, including any publications/abstracts of the study, to the accredited IRB and the 
appropriate study oversight authorities.  
 
11.6  
Public disclosure and publication policy 
The results of this scientific research involving will be disclosed unreservedly. The trial is registered in 
a public trial registry ClinicalTrials.gov (xxxxxxxxxx). 
The results of this prospective, multicentre, randomised investigator-initiated trial with a superiority 
design are intended to be published in a peer-reviewed journal and as abstracts/presentations at 
national and international scientific meetings, including those from the Nederlandse Vereniging voor 
Cardiologie, European Society of Cardiology etc.  
The publication rights in regard to the main results of the trial, i.e., regarding the primary and 
secondary objectives, belong to the sponsor. No individual investigator may publish on the results of 
this trial, or their own patients, without prior approval from the sponsor.  
 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
40
12. STRUCTURED RISK ANALYSIS 
The joint EAPCI/ACVC expert consensus document on percutaneous ventricular assist devices state 
that micro-axial flow pumps hold class IIb indication in patients with complex, high-risk coronary artery 
disease revascularization. This means that MCS ‘may be considered in highly selected patients 
undergoing high-risk PCI in case of acceptable femoral access.’ Furthermore, the PulseCath iVAC2L is 
currently being used within the field of interest and considered a viable option for CHIP PCI.  
Given the actual existing evidence about the clinical significance of the PulseCath iVAC2L use in the 
field of interest there exists equipoise about its potential benefits, which is reflected in actual 
international guidelines and therefore justifies the rationale and need for this trial. 
Important to state is that control patients are not withheld from rescue MCS during and after the 
procedure if deemed necessary by the interventional/treating cardiologist.  
There is clear evidence that the PulseCath iVAC2L system improves the hemodynamic status. 
However, there is no evidence whether the improved hemodynamic support outweighs the associated 
risks in patients with an indication for CHIP PCI.  
Therefore our trial is justified in an attempt to clarify this, but without exposing the patient to risks 
that would outweigh the benefits of the device.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
41
13. REFERENCES 
1. 
Neumann FJ, Sousa-Uva M, Ahlsson A, Alfonso F, Banning AP, Benedetto U, et al. 2018 
ESC/EACTS Guidelines on myocardial revascularization. Eur Heart J. 2019;40(2):87-165. 
2. 
Silvain J, Zeitouni M, Paradies V, Zheng HL, Ndrepepa G, Cavallini C, et al. Procedural 
myocardial injury, infarction and mortality in patients undergoing elective PCI: a pooled analysis of 
patient-level data. Eur Heart J. 2021;42(4):323-34. 
3. 
Khalid N, Rogers T, Torguson R, Zhang C, Shea C, Shlofmitz E, et al. Feasibility and Safety of 
High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Without Mechanical Circulatory Support. Circ 
Cardiovasc Interv. 2021;14(6):e009960. 
4. 
Bouisset F, Ribichini F, Bataille V, Reczuch K, Lhermusier T, Dobrzycki S, et al. Clinical 
Outcomes of Left Main Coronary Artery PCI With Rotational Atherectomy. Am J Cardiol. 
2022;186:36-42. 
5. 
O'Neill WW, Kleiman NS, Moses J, Henriques JP, Dixon S, Massaro J, et al. A prospective, 
randomized clinical trial of hemodynamic support with Impella 2.5 versus intra-aortic balloon pump 
in patients undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention: the PROTECT II study. 
Circulation. 2012;126(14):1717-27. 
6. 
Perera D, Stables R, Clayton T, De Silva K, Lumley M, Clack L, et al. Long-term mortality data 
from the balloon pump-assisted coronary intervention study (BCIS-1): a randomized, controlled trial 
of elective balloon counterpulsation during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. 
Circulation. 2013;127(2):207-12. 
7. 
O'Neill WW, Anderson M, Burkhoff D, Grines CL, Kapur NK, Lansky AJ, et al. Improved 
outcomes in patients with severely depressed LVEF undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention 
with contemporary practices. Am Heart J. 2022;248:139-49. 
8. 
Lansky AJ, Tirziu D, Moses JW, Pietras C, Ohman EM, O'Neill WW, et al. Impella Versus Intra-
Aortic Balloon Pump for High-Risk PCI: A Propensity-Adjusted Large-Scale Claims Dataset Analysis. 
Am J Cardiol. 2022. 
9. 
Ancona MB, Montorfano M, Masiero G, Burzotta F, Briguori C, Pagnesi M, et al. Device-
related complications after Impella mechanical circulatory support implantation: an IMP-IT 
observational multicentre registry substudy. Eur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc Care. 2021;10(9):999-
1006. 
10. 
Van Mieghem NM, Daemen J, Lenzen MJ, Zandstra R, Malkin O, van Geuns RJ. The PulseCath 
iVAC 2L left ventricular assist device: conversion to a percutaneous transfemoral approach. 
EuroIntervention. 2015;11(7):835-9. 
11. 
Bastos MB, McConkey H, Malkin O, den Uil C, Daemen J, Patterson T, et al. Effect of Next 
Generation Pulsatile Mechanical Circulatory Support on Cardiac Mechanics: The PULSE Trial. 
Cardiovasc Revasc Med. 2022;42:133-42. 
12. 
den Uil CA, Daemen J, Lenzen MJ, Maugenest AM, Joziasse L, van Geuns RJ, et al. Pulsatile 
iVAC 2L circulatory support in high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. EuroIntervention. 
2017;12(14):1689-96. 
13. 
Samol A, Wiemer M, Kaese S. Comparison of a pulsatile and a continuous flow left 
ventricular assist device in high-risk PCI. Int J Cardiol. 2022;360:7-12. 
14. 
Sukul D, Seth M, Dixon SR, Zainea M, Slocum NK, Pielsticker EJ, et al. Clinical outcomes of 
percutaneous coronary intervention in patients turned down for surgical revascularization. Catheter 
Cardiovasc Interv. 2017;90(1):94-101. 
15. 
Perera D, Stables R, Thomas M, Booth J, Pitt M, Blackman D, et al. Elective intra-aortic 
balloon counterpulsation during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention: a randomized 
controlled trial. Jama. 2010;304(8):867-74. 
16. 
Zeitouni M, Marquis-Gravel G, Smilowitz NR, Zakroysky P, Wojdyla DM, Amit AP, et al. 
Prophylactic Mechanical Circulatory Support Use in Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for 
Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease. Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2022;15(5):e011534. 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
42
14.  
DEFINITIONS 
14.1 
Primary endpoint definitions (timeline: In hospital is defined as 30 days after index PCI) 
14.1.1  All-cause mortality 
All-cause mortality is defined as cardiac death, non-cardiac death and undetermined death (see 
14.4) 
14.1.2 SCAI CSWG stage C- E 
Progression to SCAI CS stage C, D OR E is defined according to the following criteria: 
Intervention arm (PulseCath iVAC2L): 
1.  
HD parameters and biochemistry alterations as specifically defined for each stage, OR 
2.  
Unable to wean from the PulseCath iVAC2L (cathlab <6h) OR 
3.  
Start of inotropes and/or vasopressors (for a minimum duration of 30 minutes)  OR 
4.  
Upgrade to temporary MCS during PulseCath iVAC2L support or initiation after its removal 
(IABP, Impella CP, Impella 5.5 or RP, temporary VAD or BiVAD, ECLS). Elective VAD 
implantation is not considered progression to SCAI C- E.    
5.  
Discontinuation of the procedure because of hemodynamic instability, irrespective of the 
duration of hemodynamic compromise, is considered SCAI C and therefore the primary 
endpoint is met. Discontinuation of the procedure because of other reasons such as patient 
discomfort, technical failure, and/or logistics are not considered SCAI C. 
Note;  
-A norepinephrine dose of ≤0.05 micrograms/kg/min is not considered vasopressor therapy,  
-Bolus administration of phenylephrine/ephedrine or other vasopressors alike are also not 
considered vasopressor therapy.  
 
 
Control arm: 
1.  
HD parameters and biochemistry alterations as specifically defined for each stage, OR 
2.           Start of inotropes and/or vasopressors (for a minimum duration of 30 minutes)  OR 
3.  
Initiation of temporary MCS (IABP, Impella CP, Impella 5.5 or RP, temporary VAD or BiVAD, 
ECLS) during or after the CHIP procedure. Elective VAD implantation is not considered 
progression to SCAI C-E. 
4.   
Discontinuation of the procedure because of hemodynamic instability, irrespective of the 
duration of hemodynamic compromise, is considered SCAI C and therefore the primary 
endpoint is met. Discontinuation of the procedure because of other reasons such as patient 
discomfort, technical failure, and/or logistics are not considered SCAI C. 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
43
Note; 
-A norepinephrine dose of ≤0.05 micrograms/kg/min is not considered vasopressor therapy,  
-Bolus administration of phenylephrine/ephedrine or other vasopressors alike are also not 
considered vasopressor therapy.  
    
14.1.3 Need for mechanical ventilation 
Need for mechanical ventilation is defined as a combination of clinical or laboratory signs that the 
patient cannot maintain an airway or adequate oxygenation or ventilation. Concerning findings 
include: 
1. 
Respiratory rate > 30/minute  OR 
2. 
Inability to maintain arterial oxygen saturation > 90% with fractional inspired oxygen (FIO2) 
> 0.60 OR 
3. 
pH < 7.25 OR  
4.  
Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) > 50 mm Hg (unless chronic and stable) 
The decision to initiate mechanical ventilation should be based on clinical judgment that considers 
the entire clinical situation and not simple numeric criteria. However, mechanical ventilation should 
not be delayed until the patient is in extremis. 
 
14.1.4 Need for renal replacement therapy 
Renal replacement therapy is defined as initiation of dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis), 
hemofiltration, and hemo-diafiltration in case of acute kidney injury (AKI) stage 3  
 
14.1.5  Peri or -post procedural ventricular arrhythmias  
Peri or -post procedural ventricular arrhythmias leading to hemodynamic instability/collapse 
necessitating  CPR (defined as electrical defibrillation and/or basic life support) 
Ventricular arrhythmias are defined as either one of the following: 
1. Ventricular fibrillation 
2. Ventricular tachycardia with loss of output 
3. Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) 
4. Asystole 
 
Receiving CPR is not mandatory in order to fulfil the endpoint as it states ‘necessitating CPR’. 
Therefore, if a patient (suffering from ventricular arrhythmias) is withhold from CPR due to 
treatment plan restrictions and/or other medical reasons the primary endpoint is met. 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
44
 
14.2  
Secondary outcomes 
14.2.1 PAC derived measurements and (invasive) LVEDP 
Consists of RAP, RVP, PASP, PADP, PCWP, LVEDP, CO, CI, CPO, SvO2. 
  
14.2.2  Drop in arterial pressure 
Drop in mean arterial pressure below <60mmHg or systolic blood pressure <90mmHg for >10 
minutes. 
 
14.2.3 Highest vasoactive inotropic score(VIS) 
The VIS is calculated as follows: dopamine dose (μg/kg/min) + dobutamine dose (μg /kg/min) + 100 x 
epinephrine dose (μg /kg/min) + 100 x norepinephrine dose (μg /kg/min) + 10,000 x vasopressin dose 
(U/kg/min) + 10 x milrinone dose (μg /kg/min) + enoximone dose (μg /kg/min) + 50 x levosimendan 
dose (μg /kg/min) 
 
14.2.4  (Protected) procedural success of Pulsecath iVAC2L  
Protected procedural success of Pulsecath iVAC2L: 
Proper placement and circulatory support of the device. Moreover, the device should be successfully 
weaned on the cardiac catheterization laboratory and maximally within 1 hour post CHIP procedure.  
 
Procedural success of Pulsecath iVAC2L: 
Proper placement and circulatory support of the device. Moreover, the device should be successfully 
weaned <6h post-procedural. 
 
14.2.5 Rescue pVAD implantation 
The need to implant a MCS device during and/or after the CHIP during admission.  
Note: Durable LVAD is not seen as rescue MCS implantation.  
 
14.2.6 Myocardial infarction 
Myocardial infarction is subdivided into two definitions: 
PCI related myocardial infarction: 
 
1. In patients with normal baseline CK-MB:  
a. The peak CK-MB measured within 48 hours of the procedure rises to ≥10 x the local laboratory 
ULN, or to ≥5 x ULN with new pathologic Q-waves in ≥2 contiguous leads or new persistent LBBB, OR 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
45
in the absence of CK-MB measurements and a normal baseline cTn, a cTn (I or T) level measured 
within 48 hours of the PCI rises to ≥70 x the local laboratory ULN, or ≥35 x ULN with new pathologic 
Q-waves in ≥2 contiguous leads or new persistent LBBB.  
 
2. In patients with elevated baseline CK-MB (or cTn) in whom the biomarker levels are stable or 
falling  
 
a. The CK-MB (or cTn) rises by an absolute increment equal to those levels recommended above 
from the most recent pre-procedure levels  
3. In patients with elevated CK-MB (or cTn) in whom the biomarker levels have not been shown to 
be stable or falling  
a. The CK-MB (or cTn) rises by an absolute increment equal to those levels recommended above plus 
new ST-segment elevation or depression plus signs consistent with a clinically relevant MI, such as 
new onset or worsening heart failure or sustained hypotension.  
 
Myocardial infarction >48 hours after PCI 
Myocardial infarction >48 hours after PCI is defined according to the fourth universal definition of 
myocardial infarction: 
Detection of a rise and/or fall of cTn values with at least one value above the 99th percentile URL. 
In addition, one of the following elements is required: 
1. Symptoms of acute myocardial ischaemia 
2. New ischaemic ECG changes 
3. Development of pathological Q waves 
4. Imaging evidence of new loss of viable myocardium or new regional wall motion 
abnormality in a pattern consistent with an ischaemic aetiology 
5. Identification of a coronary thrombus by angiography including intracoronary imaging or by 
autopsy 
 
14.2.7 Stroke or TIA 
Stroke or TIA will be adjudicated according to the criteria below: 
Stroke diagnostic criteria: 
1. Rapid onset of a focal or global neurological deficit with at least one of the following: change 
in level of consciousness, hemiplegia, hemiparesis, numbness or sensory loss affecting one 
side of the body, dysphasia or aphasia, hemianopia, amaurosis fugax, or other neurological 
signs or symptoms consistent with stroke 
2. Duration of a focal or global neurological deficit ≥24 hours; OR <24 hours, if therapeutic 
intervention(s) were performed (e.g. thrombolytic therapy or intracranial angioplasty); OR 
available neuroimaging documents a new hemorrhage or infarct; OR the neurologic deficit 
results in death 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
46
3. No other readily identifiable non-stroke cause for the clinical presentation (e.g. brain tumor, 
trauma, infection, hypoglycemia, peripheral lesion, pharmacological influences) 
Confirmation of the diagnosis by at least one of the following: 
a. Neurology or neurosurgical specialist 
b. Neuroimaging procedure (MR or CT scan or cerebral angiography) 
c. Lumbar puncture (i.e. spinal fluid analysis diagnostic of intracranial hemorrhage) 
d. TIA (transient ischemic attack), TIA will be adjudicated according to the criteria below: 
 
TIA diagnostic criteria: 
1. Brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by focal brain or retinal ischemia, with 
clinical symptoms typically lasting less than one hour, and without evidence of acute infarction 
 
Definitions of TIA versus stroke syndromes: 
1. TIA: New focal neurologic deficit with rapid symptom resolution (usually 1-2 hours), always 
within 24 hours; neuroimaging without tissue injury 
2. Stroke: diagnosis as above, preferably with positive neuroimaging study 
3. Subjects with non-focal global encephalopathy will not be reported as a stroke without 
unequivocal evidence based upon neuroimaging studies. 
 
14.2.8 Re-hospitalization or urgent hospital visit for heart failure 
 
Rehospitalization is defined as an in-hospital stay for >24 hours for signs and/or symptoms of heart 
failure such as new/worsening dyspnea, orthopnea, PND, increasing fatigue, worsening functional 
capacity or activity intolerance, or signs and/or symptoms of volume overload 
Urgent hospital visit for heart failure is defined as a hospital visit for signs and/or symptoms of heart 
failure such as new/worsening dyspnea, orthopnea, increasing fatigue, worsening functional capacity 
or activity intolerance, or signs and/or symptoms of volume overload 
Both re-hospitalization and urgent hospital visit need to results in / include: 
1. IV or invasive treatment for heart failure (includes diuretics, ICD or CRT placement) 
2. NT-ProBNP ≥ 300 ng/L or pro-BNP ≥ 100ng/L 
 
14.2.9 Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events- 
- 
Death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or transient ischemic attack 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
47
 
14.3 
Safety outcomes 
14.3.1  Vascular events 
All vascular complications (major or minor) are adjudicated by the CEC to verify whether they are 
major or minor. 
1. Major vascular events determined as PulseCath iVAC2L related by the CEC, will be analyzed as 
part of the Performance Goals. If relatedness cannot be determined, the CEC will rule the 
event as “PulseCath iVAC2L related” 
2. All bleeding events will be reported on as outlined in section 4.2.2 
 
Major vascular events 
1. Significant thoracic aortic dissection requiring surgical intervention 
2. Access site or access-related vascular injury (dissection, stenosis, perforation, rupture, arterio-
venous fistula, pseudo-aneurysm, hematoma, irreversible nerve injury, compartment 
syndrome, or arterial thrombosis) leading to either death, need for significant blood 
transfusions (≥4 units), unplanned surgical intervention, or irreversible end-organ damage 
(e.g. hypogastric artery occlusion causing visceral ischemia or spinal artery injury causing 
neurologic impairment) 
1. Distal embolization (non-cerebral) from a vascular source requiring surgery or resulting in 
amputation or irreversible end-organ damage 
Minor vascular events 
1. Access site or access-related vascular injury (dissection, stenosis, perforation, rupture, arterio-
venous fistula, pseudo-aneurysm, or hematoma requiring compression, thrombin injection 
therapy, or arterial thrombosis) not requiring unplanned percutaneous or surgical 
intervention and not resulting in irreversible end-organ damage 
2. Distal embolization treated with embolectomy and/or thrombectomy and not resulting in 
amputation or irreversible end-organ damage 
3. Failure of percutaneous access site closure resulting in interventional (e.g. stent-graft) or 
surgical correction and not associated with death, need for significant blood transfusions (≥ 4 
units), or irreversible end-organ damage 
4. Simple balloon inflation for treatment of small dissection 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
48
14.3.2 Limb ischemia 
 New incidences of hypoperfusion of the leg defined by such symptoms as decreased skin temperature 
of the limb or decreased peripheral pulses or abnormal pulse oximeter or abnormal Doppler 
echocardiography, requiring device retrieval and/or surgery and/or implantation of a (distal) perfusion 
catheter. 
14.3.3 Bleeding events 
Document and record all BARC and TIMI bleeding. Reportable, Major Bleeding is defined as BARC >=3. 
1. Bleeding events determined as iVAC2L related by the CEC, will be analyzed as part of the 
Performance Goals. If relatedness cannot be determined, the CEC will rule the event as “iVAC2L 
related” 
2. All bleeding events will be reported on as outlined in section 4.2.2 
BARC bleeding 
1. Classification of bleeding will be according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 
(BARC) definitions.  
2. Type 0 (no evidence of bleeding) and Type 1 (bleeding that is not actionable and does not 
cause the subject to seek unscheduled performance of studies, hospitalization, or treatment 
by a healthcare professional) will not be reported. 
3. Type 2: any clinically overt sign of hemorrhage (e.g. more bleeding than would be expected 
for a clinical circumstance, including bleeding found by imaging alone) that is actionable but 
does not meet criteria for type 3, type 4 (CABG-related), or type 5 (fatal bleeding) BARC 
bleeding. The bleeding must require diagnostic studies, hospitalization, or treatment by a 
healthcare professional. In particular, the bleeding must meet at least one of the following 
criteria: First, it requires intervention, defined as a healthcare professional–guided medical 
treatment or percutaneous intervention to stop or treat bleeding, including temporarily or 
permanently discontinuing a medication or study drug. Second, the bleeding leads to 
hospitalization or an increased level of care, defined as leading to or prolonging hospitalization 
or transfer to a hospital unit capable of providing a higher level of care. Or third, the bleeding 
prompts evaluation, defined as leading to an unscheduled visit to a healthcare professional 
resulting in diagnostic testing (laboratory or imaging). A visit or phone call to a healthcare 
professional during which neither testing nor treatment is undertaken does not constitute 
type 2 bleeding. 
4. Type 3: clinical, laboratory, and/or imaging evidence of bleeding with specific healthcare 
provider responses, as listed below: 
Type 3a: 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
49
a. Any transfusion with overt bleeding 
b. Overt bleeding plus hemoglobin drop of 3 to 5 g/dL* (provided hemoglobin drop is 
related to bleeding). 
Type 3b: 
a. Overt bleeding plus hemoglobin drop ≥5 g/dL* (provided hemoglobin drop is related to 
bleed) 
b. Cardiac tamponade 
c. Bleeding requiring surgical intervention for control (excluding dental/nasal/skin/ 
hemorrhoid) 
d. Bleeding requiring intravenous vasoactive agents 
Type 3c: 
a. Intracranial hemorrhage (does not include microbleeds or hemorrhagic transformation, 
does include intraspinal); subcategories confirmed by autopsy or imaging or lumbar 
puncture 
b. Intraocular bleed compromising vision 
Type 4: coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)-related bleeding 
a. Perioperative intracranial bleeding within 48 hours 
b. Reoperation after closure of sternotomy for the purpose of controlling bleeding 
c. Transfusion of ≥5 U whole blood or packed red blood cells within a 48-hour period (only 
allogeneic transfusions are considered transfusions for CABG-related bleeds) 
d. Chest tube output >2L within a 24-h period 
5. Type 5: fatal bleeding 
Type 5a: Probable 
a.  Clinically suspicious as the cause of death, but the bleeding is not directly observed and 
there is no autopsy or confirmatory imaging 
Type 5b: Definite 
- 
Bleeding that is directly observed (by either clinical specimen or imaging) or confirmed on 
Autopsy 
 
14.3.4 Aortic valve injury 
Injury to the aortic valve regardless of the cause, defined as any significant change compared to 
baseline and assessed at grade 2 (moderate) or higher regurgitation on a 4-point scale. 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
50
14.4  
Death 
14.4.1  Cardiovascular death  
Cardiovascular death is defined as death resulting from cardiovascular causes. The following 
categories will be collected: 
1. Death caused by acute MI 
2. Death caused by sudden cardiac, including unwitnessed, death 
3. Death resulting from heart failure 
4. Death caused by stroke 
5. Death caused by cardiovascular procedures 
6. Death resulting from cardiovascular hemorrhage 
7. Death caused by other cardiovascular organ failure 
8. Death caused by arrhythmia 
9. Death resulting from other cardiovascular cause (needs to be specified) 
 
14.4.2  Non-cardiovascular death 
Non-cardiovascular death is defined as any death that is not thought to be the result of a 
cardiovascular cause. The following categories may be identified: 
1. Death resulting from malignancy 
2. Death resulting from pulmonary causes 
3. Death caused by infection (includes sepsis) 
4. Death resulting from gastrointestinal causes 
5. Death resulting from accident/trauma 
6. Death caused by other non-cardiovascular organ failure 
7. Death resulting from other non-cardiovascular cause 
 
14.4.3  Undetermined 
Undetermined cause of death is defined as a death not attributable to any other category because of 
the absence of any relevant source documents. Such deaths will be classified as cardiovascular for end 
point determination 
1. Death due to Acute Myocardial Infarction refers to a death by any CV mechanism (e.g., 
arrhythmia, sudden death, HF, stroke, pulmonary embolus, peripheral arterial disease) ≤ 30 
days [1] after a MI, related to the immediate consequences of the MI, such as progressive HF 
or recalcitrant arrhythmia. We note that there may be assessable mechanisms of CV death 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
51
during this time period, but for simplicity, if the CV death occurs ≤ 30 days of the MI, it will be 
considered a death due to MI. 
2. Sudden Cardiac Death refers to a death that occurs unexpectedly and not within 30 days of 
an acute MI.  
3. Death due to Heart Failure refers to a death in association with clinically worsening symptoms 
and/or signs of HF regardless of HF etiology. Deaths due to HF can have various etiologies, 
including single or recurrent MIs, ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, hypertension, or 
valvular disease. 
4. Death due to Stroke refers to death after a stroke that is either a direct consequence of the 
stroke or a complication of the stroke. Acute stroke should be verified to the extent possible 
by the diagnostic criteria outlined for stroke. 
5. Death due to Cardiovascular Procedures refers to death caused by the immediate 
complications of a cardiac procedure. 
6. Death due to Cardiovascular Hemorrhage refers to death related to hemorrhage such as a 
non-stroke intracranial hemorrhage (e.g., subdural hematoma), non-procedural or non-
traumatic vascular rupture (e.g., aortic aneurysm), or hemorrhage causing cardiac 
tamponade. 
7. Death due to Other Cardiovascular Causes refers to a CV death not included in the above 
categories but with aspecific, known cause (e.g., pulmonary embolism or peripheral arterial 
disease). 
 
14.5  
 SCAI definitions 
General information: 
Drugs are considered inotropes, inodilators or vasopressors.  
Devices are considered mechanical circulator support. 
Hypotension may only be used as a criterion for SCAI determination if it persists for ≥30 min for each 
respective SCAI stage criterion.Creatinine rise can only be used as SCAI criterion, if other causes such 
as renal and post-renal causes are deemed unlikely.  
Oliguria((≤ 0,5 ml/kg/h, ≤720 ml/24 h) should be persistent for at least 3 hours before it can be used 
as a SCAI criterion.  
Anuria (<100ml/24u) should be persistent for 12h before it can be used as a SCAI criterion 
-Inotropic or vasopressor drugs should be administered for the minimal duration of 30 minutes 
before affecting SCAI stage.  

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
52
-A norepinephrine dose of ≤0.05 micrograms/kg/min is not considered vasopressor therapy,  
-Bolus administration of phenylephrine/ephedrine or other vasopressors alike are also not 
considered vasopressor therapy.  
 
 
A. hemodynamically stable   
B. hypotensive OR hypoperfusion AND untreated 
a. SBP 60-90 mm Hg, MAP 50-65 mm Hg OR 
b. lactate 2-5 mmol/L OR ALT 200-500 U/L OR Creatinine rise ≥ 0.3 mg/dl during first 24h 
after PCI ( 26,53 μmol/L) OR Oliguria (≤ 0,5 ml/kg/h, 100-720 ml/24 h) AND 
c. no drugs, no devices 
C. hypotensive AND hypoperfusion OR treated  
a. SBP 60-90 mm Hg, MAP 50-65 mm Hg AND 
b. lactate 2-5 mmol/L OR ALT 200-500 U/L OR Creatinine rise ≥ 0.3 mg/dl during first 24h 
after PCI ( 26,53 μmol/L) OR Oliguria (≤ 0,5 ml/kg/h,  100-720 ml/24 h) AND 
c. no drugs, no devices OR 
d. 1 drug or 1 device without hypotension or hypoperfusion 
D. Failure to stabilize with initial therapy 
a. SBP 60-90 mm Hg, MAP 50-65 mm Hg AND 
b. lactate 5 - 10mmol/L OR ALT >500 U/L OR OR 
c. 2-5 drugs or devices OR 
d. 1 drug or 1 device with persistent hypotension or hypoperfusion 
e.  Anuria <100ml/24u WITHOUT hypotension (SBP 60-90 mm Hg, MAP 50-65 mm Hg) 
E. Extremis /refractory shock 
a. SBP <60 mm Hg, MAP<50 mm Hg OR 
b. Lactate >10 mmol/L OR 
c. pH <7.2 OR 
d. ≥3 drugs OR ≥3 devices OR 
e. out of hospital cardiac arrest / in-hospital cardiac arrest 
f. Anuria <100ml/24u WITH hypotension (SBP 60-90 mm Hg, MAP 50-65 mm Hg) 
 
 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
53
14.6   
Left main distal bifurcation (2-stent) strategy 
PCI of the left main distal bifurcation using a strategy that requires two stents: Double Kissing (DK)-
Crush, Culotte, or T-and-Protrude (TAP). 
 
14.7  
Complex left main distal bifurcation 
Complex LM bifurcation lesions were defined as those meeting a major risk factor: Side branch 
diameter stenosis ≥ 70% and side branch lesion length ≥ 10 mm, or any 2 minor risk factors: 
moderate to severe calcification, multiple lesions, bifurcation angle < 45°, main vessel reference 
vessel diameter < 2.5 mm, thrombus-containing lesions, and main branch lesion length ≥ 25 mm. 
14.8  
Left dominant circulation 
Coronary artery "dominance" is defined in terms of which coronary artery supplies the posterior 
descending artery (PDA, also known as the "inferior interventricular artery"), and the posterior left 
ventricular branches. The PDA is the artery that extends along the inferior interventricular groove, 
from the crux of the heart toward the apex. In case of a left dominant circulation the left circumflex 
supplies these arteries.  
 
14.9  
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)  
Stage Criteria:  
2. Stage 1  
a. Increase in serum creatinine of ≥0.3 mg/dL (≥ 26.4 μmol/l) or 50 to 100% (1.5- to 2-
fold) OR 
b. Urine output of <0.5 mL/kg/hour for 6 to 12 hours 
3. Stage 2 
a. Increase in serum creatinine of >100 to 200% (> 2- to 3-fold) OR 
b. Urine output of <0.5 mL/kg/hour for 12 to 24 hours 
4. Stage 3  
a. Increase in serum creatinine of >200% (> 3-fold) OR 
b. Increase in serum creatinine by >0.5 mg/dL to ≥4.0 mg/dL (≥ 354 μmol/l) OR 
c. Urine output of <0.3 mL/kg/hour for >24 hours or anuria for >12 hours OR 
d. Initiation of renal replacement therapy 
 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
54
14.10  Insertion site infection  
Clinical manifestation of infection at the insertion site of the Pulsecath iVAC2L device distinguished by 
such signs as pain, fever, elevated temperature, drainage and/or leukocytosis in which antibiotic 
treatment is deemed nessecary. 
 
15.11  ICU dependency and SOFA scores 
Patients can be transferred to the ICU as deemed necessary by the treating cardiologist and an 
intensive care specialist of a participating center.  
 
ICU dependency is defined as either one of the following: 
- 
patients receiving advanced respiratory support alone, i.e. invasive mechanical ventilator 
support applied via a trans-laryngeal tracheal tube or applied via a tracheostomy  
- 
patients receiving a minimum of 2 organs supported, i.e. advanced cardiovascular and renal 
support and/or advanced respiratory support 
Advanced cardiac support (i.e. inotropes, vaso-active drugs, temporary pacemaker and MCS) is 
defined as non-ICU dependent. 
Advanced cardiac support and basic (non-ventilated) respiratory support is considered as non-ICU 
dependent. 
Patients that are escalated to VA-ECMO as deemed necessary by the treating heart failure specialist 
are considered as ICU dependent. 
If renal replacement can be provided on the coronary critical care unit this is considered as non-ICU 
dependent.  
Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) will be registered. 
The SOFA score was initially designed to sequentially assess the severity of organ dysfunction in 
patients who were critically ill from sepsis. Since multiple organ dysfunction is common in critically ill 
patients, it has since been used to predict mortality in those with organ failure from other causes 
including those with acute liver failure from acetaminophen overdose, chronic liver failure (CLIF-
SOFA), and cancer, as well as in patients who have undergone cardiac surgery or hematopoietic stem 
cell transplant. 
SOFA uses simple measurements of major organ function to calculate a severity score. The scores are 
calculated 24 hours after admission to the ICU and every 48 hours thereafter (thus, the term 
"Sequential" Organ Failure Assessment). The mean and the highest scores are most predictive of 
mortality. In addition, scores that increase by about 30 percent are associated with a mortality of at 
least 50 percent. 

Mechanical circulatory support in complex higher-risk indicated procedures  
 
version 5, 20241004 
 
 
55
The SOFA severity score is based upon the following measurements of organ function  
1. Respiratory system – the ratio of arterial oxygen tension to fraction of inspired oxygen 
(PaO2/FiO2) 
2. Cardiovascular system – the amount of vasoactive medication necessary to prevent 
hypotension 
3. Hepatic system – the bilirubin level 
4. Coagulation system – the platelet concentration 
5. Neurologic system – the Glasgow coma score 
6. Renal system – the serum creatinine or urine output 
The SOFA score has been endorsed by the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and the European 
Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) as a tool to facilitate the identification of patients at risk 
of dying from sepsis 
 
15.12  Device Relatedness 
Complications associated with the device (pump) as is relates to placement, efficacy, durability or 
removal (these involve the implanted device) 
 
15.13  Procedure Relatedness 
Complications associated with the procedure from initial placement of the device or any necessary 
secondary interventions. This includes morbidity or complications associated with either anesthesia 
or surgical/interventional procedure. This also includes inappropriate subject selection and errors 
attributed to inappropriate operator techniques, measurements, or judgment.