ABSTRACT
Over the past few years it has been shown that short-term mechanical cardiac assistance may be appropriate in a few well-defined circumstances. The primary anatomic considerations limiting percutaneous left ventricle (LV) support are access site disease, aortic valve dysfunction, and integrity of the thoracic and abdominal aorta. Device selection is also limited by aortic valve disorders and diseases of the aorta. In addition to improving systemic hemodynamics, mechanical left ventricular support has a positive effect on coronary blood flow while reducing myocardial oxygen demand, therefore reducing infarct size. Over the past several years, a great deal has been learned from previous generations of cardiac assist devices. The ideal temporary left ventricular support system could be quickly and easily inserted in the catheterization laboratory, would offer near complete cardiac support with LV unloading, and could remain in place for days to weeks.
