Improved survival with ventricular assist device support in cardiogenic shock after myocardial infarction.
BACKGROUND
Cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction is associated with a very high mortality rate.


METHODS
A retrospective review was performed of records of all patients supported with an Abiomed device at our institution between 1994 and 2002 to identify those patients who underwent device insertion for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS).


RESULTS
Seventeen patients who were suffering from AMI-CS and for whom medical management was failing were supported using the Abiomed BVS 5000. The average age of these patients was 57.6 years. Eleven patients were suffering primarily from left ventricular dysfunction and were supported with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Eight of these patients were weaned from device support, a nd 6 survived to hospital discharge (54%). In contrast, 6 patients presented with biventricular failure and were supported with biventricular VADs (BiVADs). None of these BiVAD patients could be weaned from device support. Two BiVAD patients underwent cardiac transplantation, and only one survived.


CONCLUSIONS
In the presence of left ventricular failure producing cardiogenic shock after myocardial infarction, LVAD support can produce a 54% survival rate in those patients w ho are failing medical management. However, in patients in biventricular failure after myocardial infarction, BiVAD support may be used to stabilize the patient until transplantation, but the overall prognosis remains poor.
Entwistle
John W C
JW
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. john.entwistle@drexel.edu
Bolno
Paul B
PB
Holmes
Elena
E
Samuels
Louis E
LE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012770:Shock, Cardiogenic / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality* / Q000628:therapy