The Impella® Pump Helped Klaus While Waiting for His Donor Heart

Chronic Heart Problems and the Waiting List for a New Heart

Klaus Rath experienced a remarkable journey of resilience. For several years, chronic heart problems complicated his life until finally his heart was so badly damaged that he was put on the waiting list as a candidate for transplantation.

Relieving Klaus’ Heart With the Impella® Heart Pump

Conditions were so urgent, and his heart so weakened that the team of doctors at the University Medical Center Mainz decided to relieve the strain by using the Impella® heart pump, thus buying him the necessary time until a new heart could be transplanted (bridge to transplant). 

That is how Klaus' long period of suffering comes to a happy end. Today, after a successful heart transplant, Klaus says of the Impella heart pump that it "helped save his day". Not only has it kept his heart functioning, he says, but it has also given him courage and helped him greatly to stay strong during the tough time of waiting for a donor heart.

An Active Life After a Heart Transplant

These days, Klaus is leading an active life again: He has resumed his work as a lawyer in Mainz, goes cycling again and enjoys valuable time with his beloved family.