Therapy for cardiogenic shock using temporary mechanical circulatory support has improved significantly in the last decades, providing patients with new technologies for both acute phase stabilization and bridging to long-term therapies. A combination of a venoarterial extracorporeal life support system and the Impella left ventricular assist device (known as the ECMELLA approach) represents an effective therapy for severe cardiogenic shock that achieves high-flow circulatory support with simultaneous left-ventricular unloading. We present the new ECMELLA 2.0 concept, whereby a single arterial access technique is used to treat severe cardiogenic shock. The goal of this technique is to reduce access-related complications and make a bedside staged weaning from mechanical support possible.
Keywords: Cardiogenic shock; ECLS; ECMO; IMPELLA; Mechanical circulatory support.
© The Author 2021. Published by MMCTS on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.