Short-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support: Implantation Procedures and Techniques

The implantation techniques for short term mechanical circulatory support devices have evolved as the goals and duration of support have changed in the last few years. Thus, consideration for patient rehabilitation, conditioning and nutritional repletion are currently taken into account when evaluating patients with cardiogenic shock. From the introduction of IABP in 1968, to the more recent Impella 5.5 availability in 2018, the application of temporary MCS devices for the management of patients in cardiogenic shock has increased considerably during the last few years. Understanding the indication of the best MCS support should be based on individual bases, navigating challenging situations for device insertion is important to provide adequate support and improvement of cardiogenic shock while waiting for either recovery, bridge to durable support or cardiac transplantation.