Temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is an attractive and intuitive option when medical approaches to supporting a weakened heart are insufficient. But while the field is a growing one, it is also one that has produced a jumbled evidence base for a range of devices and a smattering of indications.

"Randomized trial data are lacking for all devices and approaches, whether it's Impella or ECMO. The highest quality data we have to date for cardiogenic shock is coming from registries.

Data are badly needed to clarify the role of acute MCS in cardiogenic shock," says Navin Kapur, MD, FACC, a dual board-certified interventional cardiologist and advanced heart failure/cardiac transplant specialist. Read more.

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