[Mechanical circulatory support in terminal heart failure]

After exhaustion of all conservative measures in the treatment of acute and chronic heart insufficiency, there is the possibility to temporarily or permanently support or replace the pump performance of the heart by mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems.

Presentation of the most important cardiac support systems for intensive care medicine, their indications and important risk factors.

Critical review of device manufacturer's specifications, current research and expert opinions.

The spectrum of available MCS procedures include mechanical chest compression devices, catheter-based micropumps and complete artificial hearts. Device selection depends on the severity of heart failure (monoventricular or biventricular pump failure), the expected duration of treatment and the degree of lung function impairment. The decision between minimally invasive and open surgical procedures depends on the options established at the specific healthcare institution and whether the heart function is to be temporarily or permanently replaced. Compliance with the anticoagulation regimens defined by the manufacturer is especially important as they differ vastly between devices and are critical to avoid bleeding or thromboembolic complications.

Due to the increasing number of patients on long-term mechanical circulatory support, the chances are that physicians in the initial emergency admission are unfamiliar with these devices but need to operate them in emergency cases. Therefore, knowledge of these procedures and their complications becomes increasingly important.