Microaxial Left Ventricular Assist Devices: In Search of an Appropriate Indication

Since 1999, after the SHOCK trial demonstrated a reduction in mortality with early myocardial revascularization in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock, intensive care specialists and interventionalists have searched for additional ways to reduce the persistently high mortality, often in the range of 40% to 50%. After other reports demonstrated that intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support failed to reduce mortality, the next step was development and evaluation of other approaches for active mechanical circulatory support, including microaxial left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), in the treatment of cardiogenic shock.
Source: JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research