Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) for Cardiogenic Shock

Abstract

Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) is established to salvage cases with cardiogenic shock. MCS includes intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP), veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), or pump-catheter. Prompt introduction of these devices enables 1) unloading of left and/or right ventricles, 2) sufficient supply of oxygenated blood to end-organs, and 3) maintenance of pulmonary circulation. Under MCS, then, cause of cardiogenic shock is explored and appropriate treatments are given to wean-off the MCS. In this review, selection of the MCS devices, technical tips of each MCS, and management of the cases under MCS are explained.