IABP: The Show Goes on but All that Glitters is not Gold

Despite remarkable improvements in early diagnosis and treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), cardiogenic shock is still the most common cause of in hospital mortality and morbidity associated with AMI, which occurs in about 7% of these patients. The underlying mechanism in cardiogenic shock is depression of myocardial contractility due to extensive MI, leading to a vicious cycle of reduced cardiac output, low blood pressure, decreased coronary blood flow, and ongoing lowering in contractility and cardiac output. Despite compensatory mechanisms such as peripheral vasoconstriction and redistribution of circulation to the vital organs, this leads to multiple organ failure. The principal concept behind mechanical cardiac assistance in cardiogenic shock is to support the compromised circulation.