Mechanical Circulatory Support for High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism

Temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices have a role in treating high-risk patients with pulmonary embolism with cardiogenic shock. Mechanical circulatory device selection should be made based on center experience and device-specific features. All current devices are effective in decreasing right arterial pressure and providing circulatory support of 4 to 5 L/min. The pulmonary artery pulsatility index may prove to be an unreliable method to assess right ventricular function. Careful clinical evaluation on an individual patient basis should determine the need for MCS.