Mechanical circulatory support for patients with cardiogenic shock.

Mortality from cardiogenic shock primarily in the setting of acute myocardial infarction is unchanged at approximately 50%, despite the availability of advanced ventricular assist devices. A description of currently available mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices is provided with a suggested algorithm for therapy with different MCS devices in cardiogenic shock. In order to increase survival placement of these devices in cardiogenic shock prior to percutaneous coronary intervention of the infarct related artery is strongly recommended.