Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
[Update cardiogenic shock]
Insights
Despite left ventricular unloading from intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support, microcirculation and survival remain unimproved. Percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVAD) and extracorporeal life support (ECLS) show no survival benefit for STEMI. Radial artery access for PCI and liberal red blood cell transfusion may improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Critical Care Medicine
Abstract:
Although IABP support induces left ventricular unloading, these beneficial effect does not lead to improved microcirculation and survival. The use of percutaneous extracorporeal support systems (ECLS, ECMO) as well as left ventricular assist devices (pVAD) for adjunctive treatment of STEMI has increased during the recent years, but without sufficient evidence for a survival benefit. The PCI-access via the radial artery may lead to improved outcomes, especially in regard to survival. A liberal transfusion regimen for red cell packages in the perioperative phase of cardiac surgery seems to improve outcomes in regard to lower incidence of cardiogenic shock postoperatively.
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