Mechanical circulatory support for AMI and cardiogenic shock

Cardiogenic shock following acute myocardial infarction affects 5% to 10% of patients and carries a grave prognosis. The dismal prognosis associated with post-MI cardiogenic shock, allied with surgical and technological advancements, has shifted the treatment paradigm toward wider use of mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSD). Current experience demonstrates that better outcomes may be achieved with early MCSD deployment (prior to the onset of end-organ dysfunction). However, perceived limitations with existing devices mean that they remain infrequently applied. There is an urgent need for increased awareness of MCSD options among clinicians treating post-MI shock patients.