Cardiogenic shock is the most common cause of mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Historically, AMI complicated by cardiogenic shock was associated with in-hospital survival of only ~50%. Recent advances in mechanical circulatory support have allowed for improved survival rates compared with only conventional medical treatment. However, the management strategy for AMI-related cardiogenic shock remains largely empirical due to limited high-quality evidence-based studies. In this review, we provide an overview of the four types of left ventricular mechanical circulatory support currently available, review new guideline updates from the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology, and discuss recent and ongoing studies and registries in cardiogenic shock following AMI.

The mortality rate of acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-related refractory cardiogenic shock (rCS) remains high, particularly in patients experiencing cardiac arrest with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of early escalation to CentriMag for AMI-induced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with ECPR.

Patients with AMI-induced OHCA with refractory to ECMO support after ECPR were enrolled. Clinical data were analyzed to identify predictive factors for mortality and survival benefits.

Eighty-nine patients were enrolled, of whom 26 underwent CentriMag implantation. The 1-year survival rate for those with the implantation was 34.6%. In contrast, those without implantation showed a survival rate of 7.9%. The average time from the initiation of ECPR to CentriMag implantation was 22.5 ± 14.6 h. The surgical mortality group exhibited a larger body surface area, longer intervals from CPR to ECPR, shorter duration of CentriMag support, and higher preoperative serum creatinine and postoperative day 1 serum aspartate aminotransferase levels. A prolonged interval from CPR to ECPR was identified as an independent risk factor for mortality. Extended duration of CentriMag support was associated with improved survival outcomes.

Early CentriMag implantation rescues patients experiencing AMI-related OHCA with rCS and refractory to ECMO support after ECPR. This intervention provides a critical time window, serving as a safe bridge to decision.

Onco-hematological (OH) patients face significant cardiovascular risks due to malignancy and drug toxicity. Data are limited on the characteristics and outcomes of OH patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) in intensive care units (ICUs).

This multicenter retrospective study included 214 OH patients with CS across 22 ICUs (2010-2021). The objectives were to (i) identify risk factors for 30-day mortality, (ii) describe early and long-term outcomes, and (iii) assess the prognostic impact of malignancy by comparing OH patients to a control group of CS patients.

The 30-day survival rate was 44.8 %. Multivariate analysis identified previous cardiomyopathy (OR = 1.61), acute kidney injury (OR = 1.62), lactate levels (OR = 1.08 per 1 mmol/L), pulmonary embolism (OR = 3.04), invasive mechanical ventilation (OR = 3.48), and epinephrine use (OR = 2.09) as factors associated with 30-day mortality. Among ICU survivors, 54 % were alive at 1 year with a median left ventricular ejection fraction of 52 %. OH malignancy was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (HR 2.54).

The prognosis for OH patients with CS in the ICU is poor, with epinephrine use associated with worse outcomes. Further research is needed to refine risk stratification and improve treatments for this population.

Percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVAD) and intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) are mechanical circulatory support options for patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). While pVADs provide greater hemodynamic support, their impact on mortality and hospital outcomes compared to IABP remains unclear.

We conducted a propensity score-matched analysis of 65,858 CS admissions from the national inpatient sample (2016-2020), evenly divided between IABP and pVAD groups. Admissions, where ECMO or both IABP and pVAD were used during the same admission, were excluded. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included complication rate, length of stay, and total hospitalization costs. Sensitivity analyses were performed using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), and subgroup analyses were conducted based on the different etiologies of CS.

The overall in-hospital mortality rate in the matched cohort was 34.3 %, with significantly higher mortality in the pVAD group compared to the IABP group (40.7 % vs. 28 %, p < 0.001) (OR = 1.77; 95 % CI [1.71, 1.83]). pVAD use was also associated with higher odds of acute kidney injury, ventricular arrhythmia, ischemic stroke, and major bleeding, access site complications like arterial thrombosis and aneurysms. Although the pVAD group had a marginally shorter length of stay, hospitalization costs were higher.

In this nationwide cohort, pVAD use was associated with higher in-hospital mortality, increased complication rates, and higher costs compared to IABP. These findings suggest that while pVADs may offer advanced support, they are linked to substantial risks and costs, warranting careful patient selection.

Recently, the utilization of Impella 5.5, especially in the axillary position, has increased exponentially. The device provides excellent hemodynamic support for patients in cardiogenic shock, as a bridge to recover, transplant, or durable left ventricular device. However, small size arteries remain its main limitation. With a maximum diameter of 19 Fr (6.33 mm), the recommended artery size needed for implantation is 7 mm. In this case, we discuss the successful implantation and removal of the Impella 5.5 device into a patient, with a subclavian artery diameter of 4 mm, whose other short- and mid-term options for mechanical circulatory support were limited.

Data are limited on the clinical manifestations and outcomes of acute myocarditis from a large-scale registry. We investigated acute myocarditis's clinical characteristics and prognosis from a large-scale, multi-center registry in the Republic of Korea.

We collected data from seven hospitals between 2001 and 2021. Clinical variables and outcomes during the index hospitalization and follow-up periods were analyzed. We also evaluated inter-center and temporal differences in diagnostic and treatment patterns.

Eight hundred forty-one patients diagnosed with acute myocarditis were included. Common symptoms included chest pain (60.4%), followed by fever or myalgia (46.3%), and dyspnea (45.7%). Fulminant myocarditis occurred in 421 (50.1%), with 217 requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) was performed in 276 (32.8%) patients, and biopsy-proven diagnosis was made in 234 (27.8%). Based on the EMB results, lymphocytic myocarditis was the predominant form (69.6%), followed by eosinophilic (13.8%) and giant cell myocarditis (1.4%). Eighty-three in-hospital (9.9%) and 16 (1.9%) additional mortality during the follow-up occurred. An increase in the use of EMB, cardiac imaging, and immunosuppressive therapy was noted over time, but in-hospital mortality remained unchanged. Remarkable variations in diagnosis and treatment were observed across different centers.

This study unveiled clinical features of acute myocarditis in the Republic of Korea, including a high incidence of fulminant myocarditis and complex cases requiring ECMO. Given the considerable inter-center variation in diagnostic and treatment patterns and prognosis, protocolized future trials are needed to clarify diagnosis and treatment in patients with acute myocarditis.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05933902.

Cardiogenic shock represents a critical condition in which the heart is unable to maintain adequate circulation leading to insufficient tissue perfusion and end-organ failure. Temporary mechanical circulatory support offers the potential to stabilize patients, provide a bridge-to-recovery, provide a bridge-to-decision, or facilitate definitive heart replacement therapies. Although randomized controlled trials have been performed in infarct-related cardiogenic shock and refractory cardiac arrest, the optimal timing, appropriate patient selection, and optimal implementation of these devices remain complex and predominantly based on observational data and expert consensus, especially in non-ischaemic shock. This review explores the details of 'when, how, and for whom' temporary mechanical circulatory support devices should be used, examining specific clinical scenarios, the mechanisms by which they operate, and the patient populations that may benefit. The review also highlights the many gaps in evidence and need for better understanding of the interaction between human biology and these devices.

We sought to investigate the hemodynamic and echocardiographic consequences of the Impella 5.5 during the acute perioperative period. A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent device implantation at our institution between January 2021 and June 2023 was performed. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic changes were modeled as linear mixed models with random intercepts for patient and fixed as well as random effects of time. Of 87 patients identified, most were male (72, 83%) with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (44, 51%). In the first two postoperative days, the median cardiac output increased by 1.2 L/min (p < 0.05), although the median Impella flow remained at 4.1 L/min. Mean pulmonary artery pressures (32 vs. 27 mm Hg, p < 0.05) and vasoactive inotrope scores (5.6 vs. 3.7, p < 0.01) were modestly reduced. Significant echocardiographic improvement was noted in 61% and 71% of patients with significant preoperative mitral or tricuspid regurgitation, respectively. However, no changes in ejection fraction, left ventricle (LV) diameter, or right ventricular function were noted (all p > 0.05). At 30 days, 27 (31%) patients were transplanted and 13 (15%) were bridged to a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD). We conclude that in the acute phase following Impella implantation, LV offloading, reductions in pulmonary artery pressures, and improvement in valvular regurgitation are seen without changes to ventricular geometry.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition caused by the thrombo-embolic obstruction of pulmonary arteries, which often leads to haemodynamic instability, right ventricular failure, and potentially death. Patients with massive or high-risk PE are particularly vulnerable and may not respond to conventional treatments, necessitating the implementation of mechanical circulatory support. Here, we discuss recent advancements in the diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of patients with high-risk PE and highlight the need for rapid and personalized treatment strategies.

Heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with acute HF (AHF) or cardiogenic shock requiring rapid intervention to prevent fatal outcomes. Advances in temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) devices have revolutionized the management of advanced HF, offering temporary, durable, and individualized support options. This manuscript reviews the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of AHF, the role of multi-disciplinary Heart Teams, and the growing importance of structured care networks in managing complex cases of HF. We explore the strategic deployment of tMCS in acute settings, device options, implications for patient outcomes, and current challenges in the field. This manuscript emphasizes the importance of team-based approaches and underscores the potential of tMCS devices in stabilizing patient haemodynamics, bridging to recovery or definitive therapy, and improving survival in patients facing high-risk HF.

Despite concerted efforts to rapidly identify patients with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI-CS) and provide timely revascularization, early mortality remains stubbornly high. Although artificially augmenting systemic flow by using temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) devices would be expected to reduce the rate of progression to multiorgan dysfunction and thereby enhance survival, reliable evidence for benefit has remained elusive with lingering questions regarding the appropriate selection of both patients and devices, as well as the timing of device implantation relative to other critical interventions. Further complicating matters are the resource-intensive multidisciplinary systems of care that must be brought to bear in this complex patient population. Until recently, studies of tMCS were extremely heterogeneous in design, populations treated, and timing of device implantation with regard to shock onset and revascularization. Attempts at summarizing the available data had resulted in a lack of clear benefit for any type of tMCS modality. On this background, 2 landmark trials of tMCS in the setting of AMI-CS---ECLS-SHOCK and DanGer Shock---have recently been published with divergent results that deserve detailed consideration. Thus, we provide a detailed narrative review of the current state of knowledge regarding tMCS for AMI-CS. The most common types of tMCS and related evidence are presented, as well as evidence for organizational considerations, such as the shock team. We also provide some insight into how this new evidence may be incorporated into practice and influence future research.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a life-threatening syndrome characterized by systemic hypoperfusion that can quickly progress to multiorgan failure and death. Various devices and configurations of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) exist to support patients, each with unique pathophysiological characteristics. The Intra-aortic balloon pump can improve coronary perfusion, decrease afterload, and indirectly augment cardiac output. TandemHeart, a percutaneous ventricular assist device, can decrease left ventricular preload and directly augment cardiac output. Neither the intra-aortic balloon pump nor the percutaneous ventricular assist device has been shown to decrease mortality in the revascularization era. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can offer complete cardiopulmonary support; however, it has not been shown to decrease mortality. Recent studies have indicated that microaxial flow pumps, such as Abiomed's Impella family of devices, can decrease mortality in the AMI-CS population. Managing AMI-CS requires careful clinical assessment, as no single MCS device is universally effective, and device-related complications are common. While venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation provides complete support, it has not demonstrated a mortality benefit in major trials and carries significant risks. In contrast, microaxial flow pumps have shown a mortality benefit but with higher complication rates. Ongoing research and advancements aim to refine MCS strategies, improve device safety, and enhance patient outcomes.

To examine the role of echocardiography in managing patients with refractory cardiogenic shock supported by temporary mechanical circulatory support (t-MCS) and provide practical recommendations to improve clinical practice.

t-MCS devices are increasingly used to stabilize patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. Echocardiography, due to its accessibility and ability to assess both structural and functional aspects of heart failure, is ideally suited for daily bedside evaluation of cardiac function and t-MCS-myocardial interactions.

From t-MCS initiation to liberation, echocardiography is essential to guide clinical decision-making. It aids in selecting the most appropriate t-MCS device, ensuring optimal positioning, and fine-tuning flow parameters in real-time based on native cardiac function and patient needs. Additionally, echocardiography is critical for identifying intracardiac complications and directing unloading strategies in venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, particularly with very low residual ejection or aortic valve closure. Finally, the weaning process should be informed by comprehensive echocardiographic evaluations, aligned with international guidelines. These steps are outlined in this review, accompanied by clear and practical recommendations to enhance clinical practice.

Prior studies assessing the effects of Impella 5.5 support duration on posttransplant outcomes have been limited to single-center case reports and series. This study evaluates the impact of Impella 5.5 support duration on outcomes following heart transplantation using the United Network for Organ Sharing database. Adult heart transplant recipients who were directly bridged to primary isolated heart transplantation with Impella 5.5 were included. The cohort was stratified into two groups based on the duration of Impella support: less than or equal to 14 and greater than 14 days. The primary outcome was 90 day posttransplant survival. Propensity score matching was performed. Sub-analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of greater than 30 days of Impella support on 90 day survival. Three hundred thirty-two recipients were analyzed. Of these, 212 recipients (63.9%) were directly bridged to heart transplantation with an Impella support duration of greater than 14 days. The two groups had comparable 90 day posttransplant survival and complication rates. The comparable posttransplant survival persisted in a propensity score-matched comparison. In the sub-analysis, Impella support duration of greater than or equal to 30 days did not adversely impact 90 day survival. This study demonstrates that extended duration of support with Impella 5.5 as a bridge to transplantation does not adversely impact posttransplant outcomes. Impella 5.5 is a safe and effective bridging modality to heart transplantation.

This article discusses a tailored approach to managing cardiogenic shock and temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS). We also outline specific mobilization strategies for patients with different tMCS devices and configurations, which can be enabled by this tailored approach to cardiogenic shock management.

Safe and effective mobilization of patients with cardiogenic shock receiving tMCS can be accomplished. Appropriate patient selection, tailored device management, and dynamic multidisciplinary approaches to mobilization are critical to success. Cardiogenic shock is a heterogeneous condition characterized by end-organ dysfunction due to hypoperfusion and low cardiac output. Temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) is an increasingly valuable tool in managing these patients, with various devices and configurations available. Critically ill patients receiving tMCS are at risk for complications and deconditioning associated with prolonged bed rest, making it essential to implement strategies that promote mobility when feasible. We advocate for a tailored approach to the selection and management of tMCS in patients with cardiogenic shock. This approach focuses on the early identification of patients who may benefit from tMCS before further deterioration, alongside the selection of devices that provide ventricular-specific support and facilitate upper-body cannulation to enhance mobilization while also considering patients' potential exit strategies from tMCS. Understanding this approach is vital to appropriately facilitating safe and effective mobilization.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a highly complex clinical condition that requires a management strategy focused on early resolution of the underlying cause and the provision of circulatory support. In cases of refractory CS, mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is employed to replace the failed cardiocirculatory system, thereby preventing the development of multiorgan failure. There are various types of MCS, and patients with CS typically require devices that are either short-term (< 15 days) or intermediate-term (15-30 days). When choosing the device the underlying cause of CS, as well as the presence or absence of concomitant conditions such as failed ventricle, respiratory failure, and the intended purpose of the support should be taken into consideration. Patients with MCS require the comprehensive care indicated in complex critically ill patients with multiorgan dysfunction, with an emphasis on device monitoring and control. Different complications may arise during support management, and its withdrawal must be protocolized.

This study investigated the association between the utilization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and in-hospital mortality among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Data encompassing 9635 cases of STEMI complicated by cardiogenic shock and treated with primary PCI using ECMO/IABP support were retrieved from the Chinese Cardiovascular Association database (2019-2021). We conducted an analysis to assess the in-hospital survival disparities among percutaneous mechanical circulatory device recipients and explore the potential advantages of ECMO through multivariable logistic regression analysis within a propensity score-matched (1:2) cohort population.

ECMO was administered to 2028 patients, whereas IABP was used in 7607 patients. Patients supported by ECMO showed a lower in-hospital mortality than those supported by IABP (7.2% versus 15.1%, p < 0.001). Within the propensity-matched (case: control = 1:2) cohort, we noted a 34% reduced risk of in-hospital mortality among patients supported by ECMO compared with those supported by IABP (7.7% versus 11.7%; odds ratio = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53-0.80; p < 0.001) independent of age, sex, systolic blood pressure, obesity, smoke, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, family history of coronary artery disease, coronary artery disease, stroke, atrial filiation, peripheral artery disease, chronic kidney disease, vascular lesion sites, 3A-grade hospital, and regional distributions in China.

Among patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI complicated by cardiogenic shock, ECMO was associated with better in-hospital survival than IABP.

The "International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Guidelines for the Evaluation and Care of Cardiac Transplant Candidates-2024" updates and replaces the "Listing Criteria for Heart Transplantation: International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Guidelines for the Care of Cardiac Transplant Candidates-2006" and the "2016 International Society for Heart Lung Transplantation Listing Criteria for Heart Transplantation: A 10-year Update." The document aims to provide tools to help integrate the numerous variables involved in evaluating patients for transplantation, emphasizing updating the collaborative treatment while waiting for a transplant. There have been significant practice-changing developments in the care of heart transplant recipients since the publication of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) guidelines in 2006 and the 10-year update in 2016. The changes pertain to 3 aspects of heart transplantation: (1) patient selection criteria, (2) care of selected patient populations, and (3) durable mechanical support. To address these issues, 3 task forces were assembled. Each task force was cochaired by a pediatric heart transplant physician with the specific mandate to highlight issues unique to the pediatric heart transplant population and ensure their adequate representation. This guideline was harmonized with other ISHLT guidelines published through November 2023. The 2024 ISHLT guidelines for the evaluation and care of cardiac transplant candidates provide recommendations based on contemporary scientific evidence and patient management flow diagrams. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association modular knowledge chunk format has been implemented, allowing guideline information to be grouped into discrete packages (or modules) of information on a disease-specific topic or management issue. Aiming to improve the quality of care for heart transplant candidates, the recommendations present an evidence-based approach.

Cardiogenic shock is a multisystem pathology that carries a high mortality rate, and initial pharmacotherapies include the use of vasopressors and inotropes. These agents can increase myocardial oxygen consumption and decrease tissue perfusion that can oftentimes result in a state of refractory cardiogenic shock for which temporary mechanical circulatory support can be considered. Numerous support devices are available, each with its own hemodynamic blueprint. Defining a patient's hemodynamic profile and understanding the phenotype of cardiogenic shock is important in device selection. Careful patient selection incorporating a multidisciplinary team approach should be utilized.

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS), temporary or durable, is essential in patients with acute heart failure presenting in cardiogenic shock (CS). MCS is fundamental in patients with advanced heart failure when used as a bridge to decision, transplant or left ventricular recovery. Limited data on acute-on-chronic heart failure (HF) patients exists in the era of axillary mechanical circulatory support with the Impella 5.5. We describe a case of chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy, HF-CS, in a patient who underwent Impella placement, medical optimization, and explant, now with sustained normalization in ejection fraction.

A Caucasian female in her 50 s was referred to our center for evaluation for advanced therapies, including transplantation or durable left ventricular assist device placement. Her initial ejection fraction was 30% with comorbidities including multivessel coronary artery disease revascularized with 3 vessel bypass grafting ten years prior, type 2 diabetes (A1c 8.6%), and peripheral vascular disease. During her evaluation, she had acute decompensation leading to cardiogenic shock and required hospitalization with inotrope initiation, which was unable to be weaned. She was approved for organ transplant and listed; however, she required escalation of support and eventual placement of right axillary Impella 5.5. While on Impella support, her vasoactive needs reduced, and she was found to have left ventricular recovery and tolerated the initiation of guideline medical therapy. After three weeks of support, the Impella was weaned and explanted, and the patient was discharged. She remains stable with a sustained ejection fraction of greater than 50% with NYHA class 1 functional status at follow-up. One year later, the patient showed sustained myocardial recovery with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT).

Our case highlights a unique approach in patients with long-standing (>5 years) heart failure who may benefit from early consideration for axillary support and concomitant optimization with guideline-directed medical therapy to assess for explant and native heart recovery.

Improved expertise and technological advancements have enabled the safe and effective performance of complex and high-risk-indicated percutaneous coronary intervention (CHIP) in patients previously considered inoperable or high-risk. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices play a crucial role in stabilizing hemodynamics during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) -related ischemia, thereby reducing the risk of major adverse events and achieving a more complete revascularization. However, the use of MCS devices in protected PCI is not without risks, including peri-procedural myocardial infarction (MI), bleeding, and access-related complications. Despite numerous observational studies, there is a significant lack of randomized clinical trials comparing different MCS devices in various CHIP scenarios and evaluating their long-term safety and efficacy profiles. This review aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the benefits of MCS devices during CHIPs, offer a practical guide for selecting appropriate devices based on clinical scenarios, and highlight the unanswered questions that future trials need to address.

Cardiogenic shock and sepsis are severe haemodynamic states that are frequently present concomitantly, leading to substantial mortality. Despite its frequency and clinical significance, there is a striking lack of literature on the outcomes of combined sepsis and cardiogenic shock.

FRENSHOCK was a prospective registry including 772 patients with cardiogenic shock from 49 centres. The primary endpoint was 1-month all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included heart transplantation, ventricular assistance device and all-cause death rate at 1year.

Among the 772 patients with cardiogenic shock included, 92 cases were triggered by sepsis (11.9%), displaying more frequent renal and hepatic acute injuries, with lower mean arterial pressure. Patients in the sepsis group required broader use of dobutamine (90.1% vs. 81.2%; P=0.16), norepinephrine (72.5% vs. 50.8%; P<0.01), renal replacement therapy (29.7% vs. 14%; P<0.01), non-invasive ventilation (36.3% vs. 24.4%; P=0.09) and invasive ventilation (52.7% vs. 35.9%; P=0.02). Sepsis-triggered cardiogenic shock resulted in higher 1-month (41.3% vs. 24.0%; adjusted hazard ratio: 1.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.36-2.76; P<0.01) and 1-year (62.0% vs. 42.9%; adjusted hazard ratio 1.75, 95% confidence interval 1.32-2.33; P<0.01) all-cause death rates. No significant difference was found at 1year for heart transplantation or ventricular assistance device (8.7% vs. 10.3%; adjusted odds ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.32-1.64; P=0.43). In patients with sepsis-triggered cardiogenic shock, neither the presence of a preexisting cardiomyopathy nor the co-occurrence of other cardiogenic shock triggers had any additional impact on death.

The association between sepsis and cardiogenic shock represents a common high-risk scenario, leading to higher short- and long-term death rates, regardless of the association with other cardiogenic shock triggers or the presence of preexisting cardiomyopathy.

There is limited real-world data highlighting recent temporal in-hospital morbidity and mortality trends for cases of acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock. The role of mechanical circulatory support within this patient population remains unclear.

The US National Inpatient Sample database was sampled from 2011 to 2018 identifying 206,396 hospitalizations with a primary admission diagnosis of ST- or Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock. The primary outcomes included trends of all-cause in-hospital mortality, mechanical circulatory support use, and sex-specific trends for acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) over the study period.

The annual number of AMI-CS hospitalizations increased from 22,851 in 2011 to 30,015 in 2018 and in-hospital mortality trends remained similar (42.9 % to 43.7 %, ptrend < 0.001). The proportion of patients receiving any temporary MCS device decreased (46.4 % to 44.4 %). The use of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) decreased (44.9 % to 32.9 %) and the use of any other non-IABP MCS device increased (2.5 % to 15.6 %), ptrend<0.001. Sex-specific mortality indicate female in-hospital mortality remained similar (50.3 % to 51 %, ptrend<0.001), but higher than male in-hospital mortality, which increased non-significantly (38.8 % to 40.2 %, ptrend = 0.372).

From 2011 to 2018, hospitalizations for AMI-CS patients have increased in number. However, there has been no recent appreciable change in AMI-CS mortality despite a changing treatment landscape with decreasing use of IABPs and increasing use of non-IABP MCS devices. Further research is necessary to examine the appropriate use of MCS devices within this population.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly utilized in cardiogenic shock and high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). These devices aspirate and expel blood from the left ventricle (LV) into the aorta, consequently reducing left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). We report a case of unexpected LVEDP rise under LV-to-aorta LVAD in the context of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and concomitant multi-vessel PCI.

A patient with acute heart failure, severely depressed systolic LV function, severe aortic stenosis, and multi-vessel coronary artery disease underwent TAVI and concomitant PCI under pulsatile LVAD. Notably, the patient experienced unexpected shortness of breath and elevated LVEDP while under LVAD, which normalized immediately upon LVAD removal.

Pulsatile LVAD enhances cardiac output by providing pulsatile support through a percutaneous bi-directional flow catheter. Despite expectations of reduced LVEDP and improved myocardial oxygen supply under LVAD support, we observed high LVEDP and clinical complaints of shortness of breath following TAVI and multi-vessel PCI. This case illustrates that an LVAD across the aortic valve may immobilize aortic leaflets and generate acute aortic regurgitation.

Cardiovascular disease is a worldwide health problem and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Preclinical cardiovascular research using animals is needed to explore potential targets and therapeutic options. Compared with rodents, pigs have many advantages, with their anatomy, physiology, metabolism and immune system being more similar to humans. Here we present an overview of the available pig models for cardiovascular diseases, discuss their advantages over other models and propose the concept of standardized models to improve translation to the clinical setting and control research costs.

Cardiac arrest is a serious complication of acute myocardial infarction. The implementation of contemporary approaches to acute myocardial infarction management, including urgent revascularization procedures, has led to significant improvements in short-term outcomes. However, the extent of post-discharge mortality in patients experiencing cardiac arrest during acute myocardial infarction remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine the post-discharge outcomes of patients with cardiac arrest.

We analysed data from the J-PCI OUTCOME registry, a Japanese prospectively planed, observational, multicentre, national registry of percutaneous coronary intervention involving consecutive patients from 172 institutions who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and were discharged. Patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction between January 2017 and December 2018 and survived for 30 days were included. Mortality in patients with and without cardiac arrest from 30 days to 1 year after percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction was compared.

Of the 26,909 patients who survived for 30 days after percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction, 1,567 (5.8%) had cardiac arrest at the onset of acute myocardial infarction. Patients with cardiac arrest were younger and more likely to be males than patients without cardiac arrest. The 1-year all-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients with cardiac arrest than in those without (11.9% vs. 2.8%, p < 0.001) for all age groups. Multivariable analysis showed that cardiac arrest was an independent predictor of all-cause long-term mortality (hazard ratio: 2.94; 95% confidence interval: 2.29-3.76).

Patients with acute myocardial infarction and concomitant cardiac arrest have a worse prognosis for up to 1 year after percutaneous coronary intervention than patients without cardiac arrest.

The effects of temporary mechanical circulatory support with a microaxial flow pump on mortality among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock remains unclear.

In an international, multicenter, randomized trial, we assigned patients with STEMI and cardiogenic shock to receive a microaxial flow pump (Impella CP) plus standard care or standard care alone. The primary end point was death from any cause at 180 days. A composite safety end point was severe bleeding, limb ischemia, hemolysis, device failure, or worsening aortic regurgitation.

A total of 360 patients underwent randomization, of whom 355 were included in the final analysis (179 in the microaxial-flow-pump group and 176 in the standard-care group). The median age of the patients was 67 years, and 79.2% were men. Death from any cause occurred in 82 of 179 patients (45.8%) in the microaxial-flow-pump group and in 103 of 176 patients (58.5%) in the standard-care group (hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55 to 0.99; P = 0.04). A composite safety end-point event occurred in 43 patients (24.0%) in the microaxial-flow-pump group and in 11 (6.2%) in the standard-care group (relative risk, 4.74; 95% CI, 2.36 to 9.55). Renal-replacement therapy was administered to 75 patients (41.9%) in the microaxial-flow-pump group and to 47 patients (26.7%) in the standard-care group (relative risk, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.27 to 3.09).

The routine use of a microaxial flow pump with standard care in the treatment of patients with STEMI-related cardiogenic shock led to a lower risk of death from any cause at 180 days than standard care alone. The incidence of a composite of adverse events was higher with the use of the microaxial flow pump. (Funded by the Danish Heart Foundation and Abiomed; DanGer Shock ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01633502.).

Non-physiological blood flow conditions in axial blood pumps lead to some complications, including hemolysis, platelet activation, thrombosis, and embolism. The high speed of the axial blood pump destroys large amounts of erythrocytes, thereby causing hemolysis and thrombosis. Thus, this study aims to reduce the vortices and reflux in the flow field by optimizing the axial blood pump. The axial blood pump and arterial flow field were modeled by the finite element method. The blood was assumed to be incompressible, turbulent, and Newtonian. The SST k-ω turbulence model was used. The frozen rotor method was also used to calculate the snapshot of motion. Many vortices and reflux exist in the flow field of the blood pump without optimization. The improved flow field had almost no vortex and reflux, thereby reducing the exposure time of blood. The optimized blood pump had little influence on the pressure field and shear stress field. The optimized blood pump mainly reduced the vortex, reflux, and the risk of thrombosis in the flow field. The flow field characteristics of an axial blood pump were studied, and the results showed the risk of thrombosis and hemolysis in the blood pump. In accordance with the relationship between the blade shape and the flow field, the blade of the blood pump was optimized, reducing the vortex and reflux of the flow field, as well as the risk of thrombosis.

A growing variety of cardiac devices are available to monitor or support cardiovascular function. The entwined nature of cardiovascular disease and kidney disease makes the relationship of these devices with kidney disease a multifaceted question relating to the use of these devices in individuals with kidney disease and to the effects of the devices and device placement on kidney health. Cardiac devices can be categorized broadly into cardiac implantable electronic devices, structural devices, and circulatory assist devices. Cardiac implantable electronic devices include devices for monitoring and managing cardiac electrical activity and devices for monitoring hemodynamics. Structural devices modify cardiac structure and include valve prostheses, valve repair clips, devices for treating atrial septal abnormalities, left atrial appendage closure devices, and interatrial shunt devices. Circulatory assist devices support the failing heart or support cardiac function during high-risk cardiac procedures. Evidence for the use of these devices in individuals with kidney disease, effects of the devices on kidney health and function, specific considerations with devices in kidney disease, and important knowledge gaps are surveyed in this article. With the growing prevalence of combined cardiorenal disease and the increasing variety of cardiac devices, kidney disease considerations are an important aspect of device therapy.

Thrombus formation and tissue embedding significantly impair the clinical efficacy and retrievability of temporary interventional medical devices. Herein, we report an insect sclerotization-inspired antifouling armor for tailoring temporary interventional devices with durable resistance to protein adsorption and the following protein-mediated complications. By mimicking the phenol-polyamine chemistry assisted by phenol oxidases during sclerotization, we develop a facile one-step method to crosslink bovine serum albumin (BSA) with oxidized hydrocaffeic acid (HCA), resulting in a stable and universal BSA@HCA armor. Furthermore, the surface of the BSA@HCA armor, enriched with carboxyl groups, supports the secondary grafting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), further enhancing both its antifouling performance and durability. The synergy of robustly immobilized BSA and covalently grafted PEG provide potent resistance to the adhesion of proteins, platelets, and vascular cells in vitro. In ex vivo blood circulation experiment, the armored surface reduces thrombus formation by 95 %. Moreover, the antifouling armor retained over 60 % of its fouling resistance after 28 days of immersion in PBS. Overall, our armor engineering strategy presents a promising solution for enhancing the antifouling properties and clinical performance of temporary interventional medical devices.

Cardiogenic shock is associated with high mortality. In refractory shock, it is unclear if mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices improve survival. We conducted a network meta-analysis to determine which MCS devices confers greatest benefit.

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases through 27 August 2023 for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and propensity score-matched studies (PSMs). We conducted frequentist network meta-analysis, investigating mortality (either 30 days or in-hospital) as the primary outcome. We assessed risk of bias (Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 tool/Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) and as sensitivity analysis reconstructed survival data from published survival curves for a one-stage unadjusted individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis using a stratified Cox model.

We included 38 studies (48,749 patients), mostly reporting on patients with Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention shock stages C-E cardiogenic shock. Compared with no MCS, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with intra-aortic balloon pump (ECMO-IABP; network odds ratio [OR]: 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33-0.86, moderate certainty) was associated with lower mortality. There were no differences in mortality between ECMO, IABP, microaxial ventricular assist device (mVAD), ECMO-mVAD, centrifugal VAD, or mVAD-IABP and no MCS (all very low certainty). Our one-stage IPD survival meta-analysis based on the stratified Cox model found only ECMO-IABP was associated with lower mortality (hazard ratio, HR, 0.55, 95% CI 0.46-0.66).

In patients with cardiogenic shock, ECMO-IABP may reduce mortality, while other MCS devices did not reduce mortality. However, this must be interpreted within the context of inter-study heterogeneity and limited certainty of evidence.