Cardiac ECMO: changing role in times of Impella and ventricular assist devices?

Mortality in infarct-related as well as heart failure-associated cardiogenic shock remains high, reaching 40-50% depending on the etiology and severity of cardiogenic shock. Percutaneous active mechanical circulatory support devices including veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and microaxial left ventricular mechanical circulatory support devices are rapidly evolving in their use. However, evidence of VA-ECMO therapy has only recently emerged and showed no benefit for mortality, with an associated higher complication rate. Evidence for microaxial left ventricular mechanical circulatory support devices such as the Impella pump (Abiomed, Danvers/MA, USA) is limited. The current article aims to give an overview of the basics of VA-ECMO therapy and microaxial left ventricular mechanical circulatory support devices, the current evidence, ongoing trials, patient selection, and potential complications. This article is freely available.