Survival using percutaneous cardiopulmonary support after acute myocardial infarction due to occlusion of the left main coronary artery--a report of two cases.

Two cases of acute myocardial infarction due to an occlusion of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) are presented. Their cardiogenic shock was successfully treated with percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS), in addition to reperfusion therapy and an intraaortic balloon pump. The 2 patients were able to be weaned from PCPS and discharged from hospital. It is suggested that the early use of PCPS may be life-saving in patients with myocardial infarction due to the occlusion of the LMCA who have progressed to cardiogenic shock.