Nonroutine Use of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump in Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Myocardial Infarction With Successful and Unsuccessful Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing urgent cardiac bypass surgery

BACKGROUND

In patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), either with or without cardiogenic shock, mechanical circulatory support with an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is not associated with lower mortality. However, in STEMI patients undergoing urgent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), preoperative insertion of an IABP has been suggested to reduce mortality. In this study, the effect of preoperative IABP use on mortality in STEMI patients undergoing urgent CABG was investigated.

METHODS

All consecutive STEMI patients undergoing urgent CABG in a single centre between 2000 and 2018 were studied. The primary outcome, 30-day mortality, was compared between patients with and without a preoperative IABP. Subgroup analysis and multivariable analysis using a propensity score and inverse probability treatment weighting were performed to adjust for potential confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 246 patients were included, of whom 171 (69.5%) received a preoperative IABP (pIABP group) and 75 (30.5%) did not (non-pIABP group). In the pIABP group, more patients suffered from cardiogenic shock, persistent ischaemia and reduced left ventricular function. Unadjusted 30-day mortality was comparable between the pIABP and the non-pIABP group (13.3% vs 12.3%, p = 0.82). However, after correction for confounders and inverse probability treatment weighting preoperative IABP was associated with reduced 30-day mortality (relative risk 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.30-0.88).

CONCLUSION

In patients with STEMI undergoing urgent CABG, preoperative insertion of an IABP is associated with reduced mortality.

Beneficial Effects of IABP in Anterior Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock

Background and Objectives. Recent guidelines have downgraded the routine use of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) due to ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Despite this, its use in clinical practice remains high. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of the IABP in patients with STEMI complicated by CS undergoing primary PCI (pPCI), focusing on patients with anterior MI in whom a major benefit has been previously hypothesized. Materials and Methods. We enrolled 2958 consecutive patients undergoing pPCI for STEMI in our department from 2005 to 2018. Propensity score matching and mortality analysis were performed. Results. CS occurred in 246 patients (8.3%); among these patients, 145 (60%) had anterior AMI. In the propensity-matched analysis, the use of the IABP was associated with a lower 30-day mortality (39.3% vs. 60.9%, p = 0.032) in the subgroup of patients with anterior STEMI. Conversely, in the whole group of CS patients and in the subgroup of patients with non-anterior STEMI, IABP use did not have a significant impact on mortality. Conclusions. The use of the IABP in cases of STEMI complicated by CS was found to improve survival in patients with anterior infarction. Prospective studies are needed before abandoning or markedly limiting the use of the IABP in this clinical setting.

Perspectives and Considerations of IABP in the Era of ECMO for Cardiogenic Shock

The development of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has been rapid, and its use worldwide in patients with cardiogenic shock is increasingly widespread. However, current statistical data and clinical research do not demonstrate its significant improvement in the patient prognosis. This review focuses on the widely used intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), analyzing and comparing their characteristics, efficacy, risk of complications, and the current exploration status of left ventricular mechanical unloading. Subsequently, we propose a rational approach to viewing the negative outcomes of current MCS, and look ahead to the future development trends of IABP.

Role of acute mechanical circulatory support devices in cardiogenic shock

Cardiogenic shock is a state of low cardiac output that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A considerable proportion of patients with cardiogenic shock respond poorly to medical management and require acute mechanical circulatory support (AMCS) devices to improve tissue perfusion as well as to support the heart. In the last two decades, many new AMCS devices have been introduced to support the right, left, and both ventricles. All these devices vary in terms of the support they provide to the body and heart, mechanism of functioning, method of insertion, and adverse events. In this review, we compare and contrast the available percutaneous and surgically placed AMCS devices used in cardiogenic shock and discuss the associated clinical and hemodynamic data to make a conscious decision about choosing a device.

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction With High Thrombus Burden and Cardiogenic Shock

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with high-grade thrombus is a high-risk intervention associated with poor clinical outcomes. Circulatory support with an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) during PCI may potentially improve coronary hemodynamics and clinical outcomes in such patients. As existing data on this situation are sparse, we did an observational study to determine short-term outcomes of PCI with IABP support in STEMI patients with high thrombus burden.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether IABP has a potential role in improving outcomes in patients with STEMI with high thrombus burden who are undergoing PCI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty consecutive patients of STEMI with high thrombus burden undergoing PCI with IABP assistance were included. Ninety-three percent of patients had a cardiogenic shock. Clinical and angiographic outcomes assessed include a change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), 30-day mortality, and assessment of TIMI (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction) flow, TIMI frame count, and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade in the culprit vessel. IABP was initiated before coronary angiography in 36.6% (n=11), between angiography and PCI in 30% (n=9), and after PCI in 33.3% (n=10) of patients. During the 30-day follow-up period, 50% (n=15) of patients died. 86.6% (n=13) of survivors had pre-PCI IABP initiation compared to only 46.6% (n=7) among those who died (p=0.020). With pre-PCI IABP initiation (n=20), 30-day mortality was 35% (n=7) compared to 80% (n=8) with post-PCI IABP initiation (n=10) (p=0.020).

CONCLUSION

IABP initiation before PCI in STEMI complicated by cardiogenic shock and high angiographic thrombus burden can decrease mortality without any effect on angiographic parameters.

ANMCO POSITION PAPER: Role of intra-aortic balloon pump in patients with acute advanced heart failure and cardiogenic shock

The treatment of patients with advanced acute heart failure is still challenging. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has widely been used in the management of patients with cardiogenic shock. However, according to international guidelines, its routinary use in patients with cardiogenic shock is not recommended. This recommendation is derived from the results of the IABP-SHOCK II trial, which demonstrated that IABP does not reduce all-cause mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. The present position paper, released by the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists, reviews the available data derived from clinical studies. It also provides practical recommendations for the optimal use of IABP in the treatment of cardiogenic shock and advanced acute heart failure.

Mechanical Support in Early Cardiogenic Shock: What Is the Role of Intra-aortic Balloon Counterpulsation?

Purpose of Review

We aim to summarize recent insights and provide an up-to-date overview on the role of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation in cardiogenic shock (CS).

Recent Findings

In the largest randomized controlled trial (RCT) of patients with CS after acute myocardial infarction (AMICS), IABP did not lower mortality. However, recent data suggest a role for IABP in patients who have persistent ischemia after revascularization. Moreover, in the growing population of CS not caused by acute coronary syndrome (ACS), multiple retrospective studies and one small RCT report on significant hemodynamic improvement following (early) initiation of IABP support, which allowed bridging of most patients to recovery or definitive therapies like heart transplant or a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

Summary

Routine use of IABP in patients with AMICS is not recommended, but many patients with CS either from ischemic or non-ischemic cause may benefit from IABP at least for hemodynamic improvement in the short term. There is a need for a larger RCT regarding the role of IABP in selected patients with ACS, as well as in patients with non-ACS CS.

An introduction to mechanical circulatory support in cardiac intensive care

While use of mechanical circulatory support is increasing, knowledge of its fundamental role and limitations remains poorly understood by many medical professionals. This article summarises the main types of mechanical circulatory support and how they work, particularly focusing on the key information medical professionals should know should they encounter them in hospital. Mechanical circulatory support can be an effective treatment modality in selected pathologies, including myocardial ischaemia, pulmonary congestion, massive pulmonary embolic disease, postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock with failure to wean off bypass, right ventricular failure, bridge to heart and lung transplant and, increasingly, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Intra-aortic balloon pumps increase coronary perfusion and reduce myocardial oxygen demand in a variety of cardiac conditions. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can provide both respiratory and circulatory support to patients. Ventricular assist devices can provide support for not only patients with acute cardiogenic shock, but also for ambulant patients in the community setting.

Mechanical Circulatory Support in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory for Cardiogenic Shock

Despite the development of acute revascularisation, the mortality rate for cardiogenic shock remains around 50%. Mechanical circulatory support devices have long held promise in improving outcomes in shock, but high-quality evidence of benefit has not been forthcoming. In this article we review the currently available devices for treating shock, their physiological effects and the evidence base for their use in practice. We subsequently look ahead within this developing field, including new devices and novel indications for established technology.