Durable and temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) use is growing for a range of cardiovascular indications. Kidney dysfunction is common in people evaluated for or receiving durable or temporary MCS and portends worse outcomes. This kidney dysfunction can be due to preexisting kidney chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI) related to acute cardiovascular disease necessitating MCS, AKI due to cardiac procedures, and acute and chronic MCS effects and complications. Durable MCS, with implantable continuous flow pumps, is used for long-term support in advanced heart failure refractory to guideline-directed medical and device therapy, either permanently or as a bridge to heart transplantation. Temporary MCS-encompassing in this review intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), axial flow pumps, centrifugal flow pumps, and venoarterial ECMO-is used for diverse situations: high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), acute decompensated heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and resuscitation after cardiac arrest. The wide adoption of MCS makes it imperative to improve understanding of the effects of MCS on kidney health/function and of kidney health/function on MCS outcomes. The complex structure and functions of the kidney, and the complex health states of individuals receiving MCS, makes investigations in this area challenging, and current knowledge is limited. Fortunately, the increasing nephrology toolbox of noninvasive kidney health/function assessments may enable development and testing of individualized management strategies and therapeutics in the future. We review technology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical considerations, and future directions in MCS and nephrology.
Keywords: LVAD; clinical nephrology; dialysis; durable; kidney; mechanical circulatory support; nephrology; temporary.
Copyright © 2022 by the American Society of Nephrology.