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Updated: Jul 1, 2026
06:10
Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: June 12, 2021
Update on ventricular assist device management in the ICU
Antonis A Pitsis1, Aikaterini N Visouli
1Cardiac Surgery Department, St Luke's Hospital, Thessaloniki Heart Institute, Thessaloniki, Greece. apitsis@otenet.gr
Current Opinion in Critical Care
|September 13, 2008
Summary
Optimizing patient selection and intensive care unit (ICU) management are crucial for successful mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in heart failure patients. Proactive prevention of complications and timely intervention are key to improving outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Intensive Care Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) plays an increasing role in managing advanced heart failure.
- Outcomes are influenced by disease severity and device-related adverse events.
- Recent improvements stem from optimized patient selection, management, and device technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current experiences with MCS applications.
- To focus on intensive care unit (ICU) management strategies for MCS patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical experience.
- Emphasis on critical care protocols and patient management.
Main Results:
- Preventing complications is more effective than treating them.
- Key elements include timely intervention, preimplantation optimization, hemodynamic management, infection control, nutrition, anticoagulation, and early recognition of adverse events.
- Successful treatment requires diligent patient and device management.
Conclusions:
- Critical care is essential but cannot compensate for late interventions or irreversible organ damage.
- Current management involves tailored protocols and individualized care by specialized teams.
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