Mechanical Circulatory Support for Cardiogenic Shock
March 1, 2019
By Jane Guttendorf, DNP, CRNP, ACNP-BC, CCRN
Assistant Professor, Acute & Tertiary Care, University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing
Dr. Guttendorf reports no financial relationships relevant to this field of study.
Cardiogenic shock (CS) occurs because of reduced cardiac output, which can lead to severe end-organ hypoperfusion. Primarily, CS is a clinical diagnosis with hypotension, defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) level < 90 mmHg for a prolonged period (> 30 minutes) or requiring vasopressors to maintain SBP > 90 mmHg, pulmonary congestion (i.e., elevation in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure [LVEDP]), and clinical evidence of hypoperfusion (e.g., altered mental status, oliguria, cold and hypoperfused skin, and/or elevation in serum lactate levels).1,2 The most common cause of CS is acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or acute coronary syndrome. Nonischemic causes include myocarditis, valvular heart disease, acute decompensated heart failure, and recalcitrant arrhythmias. CS occurs in up to 5-15% of patients with AMI and carries a mortality between 40% and 50%.1,2 Standard treatments for CS include fluid resuscitation, vasopressors, and inotropes, along with early reperfusion tactics. Refractory shock may require initiation of mechanical circulatory support (MCS). What other options exist for temporary percutaneous mechanical support for CS associated with AMI?
Intra-aortic balloon pump
The oldest and still most frequently used mechanical assist device is the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). It consists of a 30-40 mL balloon mounted on a 7.5 Fr or 8 Fr catheter, which is placed percutaneously via an 8 Fr or 8.5 Fr sheath into the femoral artery and advanced so that the tip of the balloon catheter lies in the descending thoracic aorta, distal to the left subclavian artery. The balloon inflation is timed from the ECG or arterial pressure waveform to occur during diastole in which displacement of blood, both antegrade and retrograde, augments coronary artery filling and propels blood to the periphery. The balloon deflates at the start of systole. This results in a decrease in afterload for the next cardiac cycle. Additional hemodynamic benefits of the IABP include an increase in diastolic blood pressure, an increase in mean arterial pressure, a decrease in myocardial oxygen consumption, and improvement in cardiac output of approximately 0.5-1 L/minute.3,4 IABP use is contraindicated in patients with aortic insufficiency and severe peripheral vascular disease.
Careful attention is made to ensure correct placement so the balloon does not migrate proximally and impede blood supply to the left subclavian artery or distally and impede flow to renal arteries or mesenteric vessels. Patient mobility is limited. Potential complications include vascular insufficiency to the distal limb, thromboembolism, thrombocytopenia, and bleeding.
The IABP is available in almost all cardiac catheterization labs. It can be deployed quickly and with relative ease, thus making it popular for initial support in acute CS or as an adjunct either immediately before or after percutaneous coronary revascularization. Widespread use of IABP was based largely on U.S. guidelines that supported IABP use as a Class IB recommendation and European guidelines that supported IABP use as a Class IC recommendation in patients with CS.5,6
More recently, the authors of a large, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) of IABP vs. medical therapy in CS due to myocardial infarction (IABP-SHOCK II) enrolled almost 600 patients. All patients were expected to receive standard medical therapy and early percutaneous coronary revascularization. There was no significant difference in the primary outcome of 30-day mortality between groups (39.7% in IABP group vs. 41.3% in control group; P = 0.69). There were no significant differences in bleeding, stroke, peripheral ischemic complications, or sepsis.7 Additionally, long-term outcomes were evaluated at six and 12 months and demonstrated no significant differences in 12-month mortality (52% in IABP group vs. 51% in control group; P = 0.91).8
The authors of a meta-analysis of IABP use in AMI included 12 RCTs (2,123 patients) and 15 observational studies (15,530 patients) published between 1981 and 2013. IABP was not found to improve mortality among patients with AMI in the RCTs. There was significant heterogeneity among the observational studies, but no clear improvement in mortality using of IABP.9 Current guidelines recommend using IABP only for mechanical complications of AMI.
Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices
Considering the limitations of support and the lack of mortality benefit with IABP, other means of MCS have gained popularity. Use of the percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVADs) has been expanding. There are two primary FDA-approved pVADs in use for short-term MCS in CS: the TandemHeart and the Impella.
The TandemHeart is an extracorporeal, continuous flow, centrifugal pump. It requires two cannulas, one placed via the femoral vein (21 Fr) passed up to the right atrium, then across into the left atrium (LA) via a trans-septal puncture. This draws blood from the LA, reducing forward flow to the left ventricle and resulting in an unloading of the left ventricle. The blood circulates through the pump and returns via a femoral arterial cannula (15 Fr to 19 Fr) advanced to the level of the iliac arteries (provides LA to aorta bypass). Depending on the size of the arterial cannula, flows of 3.5-5 L/minute can be achieved. Hemodynamic effects are reduced LV preload and wall stress, lower myocardial oxygen demand, and some increase in afterload from the retrograde return of blood via the femoral vessels.1,3 To prevent thrombus formation, the pump requires anticoagulation, provided as a continuous infusion of heparinized saline into the lower chamber of the pump. Complications include vascular compromise and distal limb ischemia. The trans-septal catheter placement is technically difficult, generally requiring a skilled interventional cardiologist using either fluoroscopic guidance or transesophageal echocardiography to guide catheter placement. Caution must be taken not to dislodge the trans-septal catheter from the LA, which could result in significant hypoxemia from a large volume right-to-left shunt.3 Careful assessment of right ventricular (RV) function is necessary to ensure adequate LA filling. RV assist device (RVAD) support may be required if RV function is poor. The patient must be supine and mobility is limited by the femoral cannulations.
The Impella is another pVAD that provides direct unloading of the LV (LV to ascending aorta bypass). The Impella is a nonpulsatile axial flow pump placed intracorporeally within the LV. Usually, access is obtained via the femoral artery. The catheter is threaded through the descending aorta, ascending aorta, and across the aortic valve, seating the pump within the LV. Blood is drawn from the left ventricle and returned to the ascending aorta. There are three different size devices: 12 Fr (Impella 2.5), 14 Fr (Impella CP), and 21 Fr (Impella 5.0). These permit flows of 2.5, 3.0-4.0, and 5.0 L/minute, respectively. The Impella 5.0 is placed via a cutdown; the others are placed percutaneously. The Impella 2.5 provides a better augment to cardiac output than the IABP, but not as much as the TandemHeart, whereas the Impella 5.0 and CP provide flow support more comparable to that of the TandemHeart. Complications relate to the transfemoral access, limb ischemia, and bleeding, as well as hemolysis from the pump. Systemic anticoagulation is required. Native RV function must be maintained to adequately fill the LA, or RVAD support may be required.1,3
The authors of a systematic review and meta-analysis of four RCTs concerning pVADs in CS evaluated TandemHeart and Impella implants compared to control, which was the IABP. A total of 148 patients were represented in the four trials (77 in the MCS groups, 71 in the control groups). There was no difference in 30-day mortality between MCS and IABP. MCS increased mean arterial pressure more than IABP (P = 0.02) and lowered lactate levels (P = 0.02). There were no differences in leg ischemia between groups, but the incidence of bleeding was significantly higher in the MCS group (P < 0.001). The meta-analysis authors concluded the results did not support the unselected use of MCS in patients with CS complicating AMI.10
Investigators from the University of Virginia reported a retrospective review of 55 patients treated with the TandemHeart for CS to evaluate predictors of survival. Hemodynamic parameters, including better cardiac index and lower pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, improved significantly after the TandemHeart implant. Indication for implant influenced survival. In patients bridged to LVAD or surgery, survival was 51%. In patients supported with the aim of recovery of function, survival was 23.8% (P = 0.04). Only younger age predicted survival to discharge (P = 0.004).11
The Impella has been studied more widely. In a single-center study of 112 consecutive patients treated with Impella for CS associated with AMI, mortality at six months remained high at 60.7%.12 The Detroit Cardiogenic Shock Initiative reported outcomes after the first eight months of enrolling patients in an early MCS initiative using Impella for patients with CS after AMI following early reperfusion therapy. Forty-one patients were enrolled. Survival to explant was 85% for the cohort, a significant improvement over historical control of 51% (P < 0.001), and survival to discharge was 76%.13 A large, multicenter registry that included more than 15,000 patients supported with Impella for CS associated with AMI demonstrated survival to explant of 51%. Survival rates were higher if MCS was initiated as first-line treatment (59%) rather than as salvage therapy (52%; P < 0.001). Likewise, survival rates improved in centers with larger implant volumes.14 A study comparing outcomes of Impella support in AMI complicated by CS matched one group of patients to subjects from the IABP-SHOCK II trial. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. Patients were matched for age, sex, mechanical ventilation, ejection fraction, lactate, and prior CPR. The authors matched 237 patients treated with Impella to 237 control patients from the IABP-SHOCK II trial. There were no significant differences in 30-day all-cause mortality (48.5% vs. 46.45%, respectively; P = 0.64). Bleeding (P < 0.01) and peripheral vascular complications (P = 0.01) were significantly higher in the Impella group.15
Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is the MCS of choice for patients with biventricular failure or CS with concomitant hypoxemic respiratory failure. For cardiac support, peripheral VA-ECMO can be instituted easily at the bedside with percutaneous femoral arterial and venous cannulation. The cannulae are connected to an extracorporeal pump (nonpulsatile centrifugal pump), membrane oxygenator, and heat exchanger. Systemic anticoagulation is required. Venous cannulas range in size from 17-21 Fr and arterial cannulas from 15-19 Fr. Depending on cannula size and type of pump, flows of 4-7 L/minute can be achieved.1,3 Typically, a perfusionist or ECMO specialist is present to maintain the machine.
One disadvantage of peripheral VA-ECMO is that it does not unload the LV. Peripheral VA-ECMO increases afterload and may cause LV distention and pulmonary edema. This can be mitigated by placement of a vent to drain the LV. With percutaneous cannulation, drainage can be achieved by concomitant placement of an Impella device to decompress the LV or a TandemHeart catheter placed trans-septally to drain the LA. An alternative technique is placement of a transapical vent via a left minithoracotomy approach, which is then Y’d into the venous drainage cannula.16 Other complications include vascular injury, limb compromise, bleeding, and stroke. Placement of a smaller distal perfusion cannula to maintain blood flow to the distal limb can help minimize the risk of limb ischemia.
In a single-center review of 76 consecutive VA-ECMO patients supported for post-MI CS (51%) or other causes (49%), overall 90-day mortality was 49%. Forty-six percent of patients died on ECMO, 37% were weaned, 13% bridged to heart transplant, and 4% bridged to LVAD.17 In a study comparing outcomes after use of Impella (48 patients) and VA-ECMO (46 patients) for CS, there was no significant difference in ICU survival (65% for ECMO and 63% for Impella) or in long-term survival (four years). Even adjusting for disease severity using the Survival after VA-ECMO (SAVE) score, there was no difference in survival between groups.18
In another single-center retrospective analysis of 88 patients treated with PCI after AMI and admitted to the ICU with CS, researchers evaluated early MCS (within 72 hours). Impella was placed in 19 patients, and 23 patients had ECMO. The ECMO group was sicker at time of initiation of MCS (higher lactate levels, higher inotrope and vasopressor support). ECMO was identified as the technique of choice in profound CS, and Impella was appropriate for less profound shock. There was no significant difference in six-month survival: 52% in the ECMO group and 58% in the Impella group.19
Traditionally, patients with biventricular failure have been treated with VA-ECMO as the choice of mechanical support. However, case reports using biventricular Impella devices support both the RV and LV, so-called Bi-Pella support. The Impella RP device is used for RV support. One of the other standard Impella devices (2.5, CP, or 5.0) is used for LV support.20 The Impella RP is placed via the femoral vein and advanced to the inferior vena cava into the right atrium, across the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle, and across the pulmonic valve into the pulmonary artery. The inlet to the pump is in the inferior vena cava. Blood is delivered to the tip of the catheter near the pulmonary artery.
Timing
Initiating mechanical support in a timely fashion is important, although there are few discrete triggers. Recognition of CS, initiation of early reperfusion with PCI, and early initiation of MCS is important. While IABP is readily available, there is no demonstrated mortality benefit in CS due to AMI. Placement of an IABP at the time of PCI and prior to transfer to a tertiary facility may be appropriate. Other devices may be more complicated to insert but offer improved hemodynamic benefits. Despite improved hemodynamics seen with TandemHeart and VA-ECMO, there are no data to suggest mortality benefit with either device. Respiratory failure and hypoxemia are indications for VA-ECMO rather than other MCS options. Patients in cardiac arrest would be candidates for ECMO as opposed to other MCS options. Those with profound biventricular failure should be treated with VA-ECMO. Most often, in acute CS associated with MI, the patient is in extremis and the device is placed with an unknown trajectory. While hopeful that reperfusion of the culprit lesion, unloading the ventricle, and time will allow myocardial recovery, this is not always realized. Often, patients treated with urgent MCS in CS are on a “bridge to decision” pathway. Support is provided until clinicians can assess neurologic status, reassess hemodynamics, and obtain formal echocardiography to ascertain etiology of shock. Patients may bridge to recovery and device explant, bridge to a more formal long-term ventricular assist device, bridge to heart transplant, or (in some cases) transfer to hospice care. At each step, careful communication with the patient and family about expectations of care, outcomes, complications, and goals should be transparent.
Summary
Several MCS devices are available for use in acute CS complicating AMI. There are little primary data to support one device over another. Evaluation of patient size, access for cannula placement, hemodynamics, and symptoms are important considerations. Close monitoring for complications, particularly limb ischemia, vascular injury, bleeding, and hemolysis, is necessary. Early intervention is warranted. Mortality in CS remains high, but aggressive and timely intervention may help mitigate this.
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- Mebazaa A, et al. Acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock: A multidisciplinary practical guidance. Intensive Care Med 2016;42:147-163.
- Rihal CS, et al. 2015 SCAI/ACC/HFSA/STS clinical expert consensus statement on the use of percutaneous mechanical circulatory support devices in cardiovascular care. J Am Coll Cardiol 2015;65:e7-e26.
- Rab T, O’Neill W. Mechanical circulatory support for patients with cardiogenic shock. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2018; Dec 5. pii:S1050-1738(18)30176-2. [Epub ahead of print].
- Antman EM, et al. ACC/AHA guidelines for the management of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction — executive summary: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Revise the 1999 Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction). Circulation 2004;110: 588-636.
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- Thiele H, et al. Intraaortic balloon counterpulsation in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (IABP-SHOCK II): Final 12 month results of a randomised open-label trial. Lancet 2013;382:1638-1645.
- Ahmad Y, et al. Intra-aortic balloon pump therapy for acute myocardial infarction: A meta-analysis. JAMA Int Med 2015;175:931-939.
- Thiele H, et al. Percutaneous short-term active mechanical support devices in cardiogenic shock: A systematic review and collaborative meta-analysis of randomized trials. Eur Heart J 2017;38:3523-3531.
- Smith L, et al. Outcomes of patients with cardiogenic shock treated with TandemHeart percutaneous ventricular assist device: Importance of support indication and definitive therapies as determinants of prognosis. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2018;92:1173-1181.
- Ouweneel DM, et al. Real-life use of left ventricular circulatory support with Impella in cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction: 12 years AMC experience. Eur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc Care 2018; Nov 7:2048872618805486. doi: 10.1177/2048872618805486. [Epub ahead of print].
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- Rao P, et al. Peripheral VA-ECMO with direct biventricular decompression for refractory cardiogenic shock. Perfusion 2018;33:493-495.
- Fux T, et al. VA-ECMO support in nonsurgical patients with refractory cardiogenic shock: Pre-implant outcome predictors. Artif Organs 2018; Nov 6. [Epub ahead of print].
- Schiller P, et al. Survival after refractory cardiogenic shock is comparable in patients with Impella and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation when adjusted for SAVE score. Eur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc Care 2018; Nov 8:2048872618799745. [Epub ahead of print].
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- Pappalardo F, et al. Full percutaneous biventricular support with two Impella pumps: The Bi-Pella approach. ESC Heart Fail 2018;5:368-371.
Exploring what options exist for temporary percutaneous mechanical support for cardiogenic shock associated with acute myocardial infarction?
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