Abstracto

Percutaneous ventricular assist devices: clinical evidence

Diego Arroyo and Stephane Cook

Efficient therapy of cardiogenic shock and optimal protection in high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention are still orphaned to ideal management. Intra-aortic balloon pump and the newer percutaneous ventricular assist devices, such as TandemHeart and Impella Recover LP 2.5, have diversified the therapeutic arsenal with which one can tackle these clinical dilemmas. This article describes the characteristics of these three devices as well as the clinical evidence available for optimal and adapted use.