Patients who undergo heart transplantation (HTX) are at risk for prolonged immobility, especially if they require temporary mechanical circulatory support due to cardiogenic shock before HTX. We aimed to investigate if the use of axillary Impella 5.5 (IMP5.5) as bridge to HTX affects post HTX outcomes including overall mobility and activity, and length of stay in the hospital (LOS). The Braden score objectively indicates patients' mobility by measuring sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, friction, and shear. A retrospective analysis of all individuals receiving heart transplantation in our center from 2017-2022 was performed. Subjects were separated in two groups based on the bridging strategy (IMP5.5 vs. medical management (including inotropes and guideline directed medical therapy)). Patients listed as UNOS status 4-6 were excluded. Outcome parameters included Braden scores, parameters of end-organ function such as creatinine and total bilirubin, and LOS post HTX. Results are reported as means +/- standard deviations, statistical analysis was performed using Mann Whitney's U Test. A total of 58 HTX patients were reviewed. Patients in the IMP5.5 group (n=25) demonstrated significantly shorter LOS compared to patients being medically managed (n=33) (15.9 vs 22.3 +/- 13.3 and 18.9 days respectively, (p=0.005)) (Figure 1). Additionally, IMP5.5 patients had significantly higher Braden scores compared to their medically managed comparisons (17.5 vs 16 +/- SD 2.2 and 2.4 respectively (p=0.018)). Creatinine post-HTX was significantly lower in the IMP5.5 group (0.3 vs 0.7, p=0.048), bilirubin showed no difference. Patients bridged to HTX with the IMP5.5 device as compared to medical therapies alone have a higher level of early post HTX mobility and reduced post HTX LOS. These results may be attributed to independent ambulation and avoidance of physical deconditioning pre-HTX while supported with IMP5.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]