Use of mechanical assist during high-risk PCI and STEMI with cardiogenic shock

Infarct size may be reduced by left ventricular unloading after ST‐segment elevation MI (STEMI) in addition to reperfusion therapy. Likewise, high‐risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may benefit from periprocedural support especially in patients with low cardiac output at baseline or when periprocedural hemodynamic deterioration is anticipated. Traditionally, intraaortic balloon‐pumps have been used in acute MI with cardiogenic shock. As this modality has limited hemodynamic benefits, new developments have focused on active hemodynamic assist devices. These devices actively unload the left ventricle increasing cardiac output by 2.5–5 L/min and are increasingly easier to implant and monitor. Thus, interventional cardiologists will be able to offer a safer more effective alternative to an increasing patient population with complex cardiac conditions and high‐risk PCI. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.