No description available.

Objectives: To analyze the use and prognostic impact of active mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices in a large prospective contemporary cohort of patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Background: Although increasingly used in clinical practice, data on the efficacy and safety of active MCS devices in patients with CS complicating AMI are limited. Methods: This is a predefined subanalysis of the CULPRIT-SHOCK randomized trial and prospective registry. Patients with CS, AMI and multivessel coronary artery disease were categorized in two groups: (1) use of at least one active MCS device vs. (2) no active MCS or use of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) only. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death or renal replacement therapy at 30 days. Results: Two hundred of 1055 (19%) patients received at least one active MCS device (n = 112 Impella®; n = 95 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO); n = 6 other devices). The primary endpoint occurred significantly more often in patients treated with active MCS devices compared with those without active MCS devices (142 of 197, 72% vs. 374 of 827, 45%; p < 0.001). All-cause mortality and bleeding rates were significantly higher in the active MCS group (all p < 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, the use of active MCS was significantly associated with the primary endpoint (odds ratio (OR) 4.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.7–5.9; p < 0.001). Conclusions: In the CULPRIT-SHOCK trial, active MCS devices were used in approximately one fifth of patients. Patients treated with active MCS devices showed worse outcome at 30 days and 1 year.

Introduction : L’arrêt cardiaque réfractaire est défini par l’absence du retour à l’activité circulatoire spontané (RACS) après 30 minutes de réanimation cardiopulmonaire médicalisé. ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) représente une thérapie alternative urgente dans cette population. L’hémodynamique post la réanimation cardiopulmonaire extracorporel (E-CRP) est un entité complexe et le pris en charge dans les premières heures suivant l’implantation d’ECMO n’est pas bien décrit. L’objectif de cette étude est d’évaluer l’effet de deux stratégie de débit d’ECMO dans un modèle porcin d’arrêt cardiaque réfractaire sur les conséquences métaboliques, microcirculatoires et inflammatoires.Matériels et Méthodes : l’arrêt cardiaque a été induit par la ligature l’artère intraventriculaire antérieure (IVA) chez 18 cochons. E-RCP a été initié après 40 minutes de low-flow avec un débit d’ECMO bas de 30-35 ml.kg-1.min-1 ou un débit d’ECMO standard de 65-70 ml.kg-1.min-1, avec la même pression artérielle moyenne (PAM) au niveau de 65 mmHg. Les paramètres hémodynamiques et métaboliques ont été évalués avec la clairance de lactate et le débit sanguin carotidien. Les paramètres microcirculatoires ont été évalués par la microcirculation sublinguale avec l’imagerie de SDF et NIRS. Cytokines inflammatoires ont été mesurés avec un plateforme de ELISA multiplexe. Résultats : Pas de différence entre les deux groups à H basale et à l’initiation d’ECMO (H0). La clairance de lactate était plus faible dans le groupe débit bas comparé au groupe débit standard (6.67[-10.43-18.78] vs. 47.41[19.54, 70.69] %, p=0.04). Le débit carotidien était plus bas significativement (p<0.005) dans le groupe débit bas pendant les dernières quatre heures malgré le même niveau de la pression artérielle moyenne. Pour les paramètres microcirculatoires, le flux microcirculatoire sublingual évalué par SDF et le StO2 par NIRS ont été altéré transitoirement à H3 dans le groupe débit bas. Le niveau de cytokine IL-6 était plus élevé significativement dans le groupe débit bas à la fin d’expérimentation. Conclusions : Une réanimation à objectif de débit d’ECMO bas 35 ml.kg-1.min-1 versus standard 70ml.kg-1.min-1dans les six premières heures d’un ACR réfractaire n’est pas associé à une meilleure réversion des conséquences métaboliques, microcirculatoire et inflammatoire avec un objectif de PAM à 65 mmHg dans un modèle porcin / Introduction : Refractory cardiac arrest is defined by the absence of the return of spontaneous circulation (ROCS) within 30 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CRP) under medical supervision. ExtraCorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an emerging alternative therapy in this population. The post extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) hemodynamic state is a complex entity and the critical care management in the first hours following ECMO implantation is not well defined. This study was designed to assess the effect of two veno-arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) blood-flow strategies in an experimental model of ECPR (extracorporeal cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) on macrocirculatory, metabolic and microcirculatory parameters in the first six hours of ECMO initiation. Material and methods : Cardiac arrest was induced in 18 pigs by surgical ligature of the left descending coronary artery. ECPR was initiated after 40 minutes of low-flow with an ECMO blood-flow of 30-35 ml.kg-1.min-1 (low-blood-flow group, LBF) or 65-70 ml.kg-1.min-1 (standard-blood-flow group, SBF), with the same mean arterial pressure target (65 mmHg). Macrocirculatory and metabolic parameters were assessed by lactate clearance and carotid blood-flow. Microcirculatory parameters were assessed by sublingual microcirculation with Sidestream Dark Field (SDF) imaging and peripheral Near-InfraRed Spectrometry (NIRS). Inflammatory cytokine levels were measured with a multiplexed ELISA-based array platform. Results : There was no between-group difference at baseline and at ECMO initiation (H0). Lactate clearance at H6 was lower in LBF compared to SBF (6.67[-10.43-18.78] vs. 47.41[19.54, 70.69] %, p=0.04). carotid blood flow was significantly lower (p<0.005) during the last four hours despite similar mean arterial pressure levels. For microcirculatory parameters, SDF and NIRS parameters were transitorily impaired at H3 in LBF. IL-6 cytokine level was significantly higher in LBF at the end of the experiment. Conclusion: In an experimental porcine model of refractory cardiac arrest treated by ECMO, a low-blood-flow strategy during the first six hours of resuscitation was associated with lower lactate clearance and lower cerebral blood-flow with no benefits on ischemia-reperfusion parameters

Die koronare Herzkrankheit ist trotz wachsendem Lebensstandard und aller präventiven medizinischen Maßnahmen nach wie vor von hoher medizinischer und ökonomischer Bedeutung. Die Akutform stellt das akute Koronarsyndrom dar. Komplizierend kann sich im Rahmen eines akuten Koronarsyndroms ein kardiogener Schock manifestieren, welcher die häufigste Todesursache für Patienten mit akutem Myokardinfarkt nach Aufnahme ins Krankenhaus darstellt. Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Identifizierung von Risikofaktoren für die Krankenhaus- sowie Langzeitmortalität bei der chirurgischen Revaskularisation von Patienten mit akutem Koronarsyndrom und komplizierendem kardiogenen Schock. Wir führten hierfür eine retrospektive Datenanalyse an 302 konsekutiven Patienten durch, welche im akuten Koronarsyndrom und kardiogenen Schock mittels aortokoronarer Bypassoperation therapiert wurden. Insgesamt wurden 44 präoperative, 18 intraoperative und 28 postoperative binäre Items analysiert. Wir konnten zeigen, dass bei den Höchstrisiko-Patienten die Letalität stark vom präoperativen Risikoprofil und dem Ausmaß des kardiogenen Schocks abhängt. Insbesondere der präoperative Einsatz einer IABP sowie die Verwendung der linken Arteria mammaria als Bypassgefäß wirkten sich positiv aus. Das gute Langzeit-Ergebnis demonstriert den Benefit einer chirurgischen Revaskularisation bei den Patienten mit akutem Koronarsyndrom und kardiogenen Schock mit anderenfalls schlechter Prognose.

Ventricular assist devices are used in patients with heart failure refractory to standard management. Though left ventricular assist devices are more often used, patients with severe right ventricular dysfunction may also be treated with mechanical support. This case presents a patient with mixed cardiogenic and septic shock requiring placement of a percutaneous right ventricular assist device. A 38-year-old obese male with a medical history of alcoholism presented to the hospital with a complaint of dyspnea. He was found to have volume overload and was given intravenous diuretics. However, he had progressive renal insufficiency, hypotension requiring vasopressor support, and worsening respiratory status requiring mechanical ventilation. An echocardiogram showed a severely enlarged right ventricle, reduced RV function, normal RV wall thickness, moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation, a severely dilated right atrium, ventricular septal flattening, and mild pulmonary hypertension. Left ventricular ejection fraction was 65-70%, LV diastolic function was normal, and there were no other significant valvular abnormalities. Troponin levels, ECG, and CT pulmonary angiography were unrevealing. Right heart catheterization showed a right atrial pressure of 29 mmHg (2 – 6 mmHg), right ventricular pressures of 50/24 mmHg (15-25/0-8 mmHg), pulmonary artery pressures of 56/35/43 mmHg (15-25/8-15/10-20 mmHg), a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of 22 mmHg (6-12 mmHg), and a Prognostic Impact of Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility Index (PAPi) score of 0.3 to 0.6 (>1). Cardiac chamber oxygen saturations did not demonstrate intracardiac shunting. A right-sided mechanical circulatory support device was placed. The hospital course was complicated by sepsis due to pneumonia and presumed central line-associated bloodstream infection requiring antibiotic therapy, anemia secondary to device-related hemolysis requiring blood transfusions, renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy, and candidemia requiring antifungal therapy. Due to concern for device-associated infection, his central lines were replaced. The mechanical circulatory support device was able to be removed after ten days. Subsequent cardiac imaging did not reveal any other structural abnormalities, and a definitive cause for the right heart failure was not determined. Etiologies of right-sided heart failure include left-sided heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, myocarditis, valvular dysfunction, and congenital anomalies. Mechanical circulatory support may be used to support cardiac function, to allow the ventricular function to improve. Potential complications of mechanical circulatory support include infection, hemolysis, bleeding, device migration, and malfunction. RVAD therapy should be considered for patients with isolated right ventricular failure refractory to less invasive therapy.

Background: There is evidence that monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels reflect the intensity of the inflammatory response in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and have a predictive value for clinical outcomes. However, little is known about the effect of mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) on the inflammatory response in patients with CS complicating AMI. Therefore, we conducted a biomarker study to investigate the effect of MTH on MCP-1 levels in patients with CS complicating AMI. Methods: In the randomized mild hypothermia in cardiogenic shock (SHOCK-COOL) trial, 40 patients with CS complicating AMI were enrolled and assigned to MTH (33 ◦C) for 24 h or normothermia at a 1:1 ratio. Blood samples were collected at predefined time points at the day of admission/day 1, day 2 and day 3. Differences in MCP-1 levels between and within the MTH and normothermia groups were assessed. Additionally, the association of MCP-1 levels with the risk of all-cause mortality at 30 days was analyzed. Missing data were accounted for by multiple imputation as sensitivity analyses. Results: There were differences in MCP-1 levels over time between patients in MTH and normothermia groups (P for interaction = 0.013). MCP-1 levels on day 3 were higher than on day 1 in the MTH group (day 1 vs day 3: 21.2 [interquartile range, 0.25–79.9] vs. 125.7 [interquartile range, 87.3–165.4] pg/mL; p = 0.006) and higher than in the normothermia group at day 3 (MTH 125.7 [interquartile range, 87.3–165.4] vs. normothermia 12.3 [interquartile range, 0–63.9] pg/mL; p = 0.011). Irrespective of therapy, patients with higher levels of MCP-1 at hospitalization tended to have a decreased risk of all-cause mortality at 30 days (HR, 2.61; 95% CI 0.997–6.83; p = 0.051). Conclusions: The cooling phase of MTH had no significant effect on MCP-1 levels in patients with CS complicating AMI compared to normothermic control, whereas MCP-1 levels significantly increased after rewarming. Trial registration: NCT01890317.

Mortality in infarct-related cardiogenic shock (CS) remains high, reaching 40–50%. In refractory CS, active mechanical circulatory support devices including veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) are rapidly evolving. However, supporting evidence of VA-ECMO therapy in infarct-related CS is low. The current review aims to give an overview on the basics of VA-ECMO therapy, current evidence, ongoing trials, patient selection and potential complications.

Introdução: A insuficiência cardíaca é uma síndrome clínica grave e freqüente. Nos estágios avançados, pode se apresentar em associação com a insuficiência mitral secundária. O quadro clínico piora e a sobrevida diminui quando a insuficiência mitral está presente. A abordagem cirúrgica da insuficiência mitral secundária tem sido motivo de investigação e a tração quádrupla dos músculos papilares com implante de prótese biológica pode ser uma opção. Objetivo: Avaliar, através da ecocardiografia trans-torácica, a geometria e a função do ventrículo esquerdo após a troca da valva mitral com tração e fixação quádrupla dos músculos papilares, nos pacientes portadores de insuficiência cardíaca terminal com insuficiência mitral secundária. Casuística: Foram operados de forma consecutiva 20 pacientes portadores de insuficiência cardíaca terminal por miocardiopatia dilatada com insuficiência mitral secundária. O sexo masculino predominou: 70%. A idade variou entre 27 e 72 anos, com média de 50,2 +- 9 anos. O número de admissões na enfermaria no ano precedente à operação foi em média 5,4 por paciente e 2,4 na unidade de terapia intensiva. Onze (55%) estavam em uso prolongado de drogas vasoativas. A fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo, determinada pelo método de Teicholz, foi menor ou igual a 30% em todos os pacientes. Dezessete (85%) estavam em classe funcional IV (NYHA). Método: Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à troca da valva mitral com tração e fixação quádrupla dos papilares. Dezoito (90%) receberam biopróteses de pericárdio bovino um tamanho menor que a medida calculada no ato operatório e dois (10%) receberam próteses mecânicas. A plástica tricúspide (DeVega) foi realizada em 12 (60%) pacientes. No seguimento, os exames ecocardiográficos foram agrupados em períodos: três, 6, 12 e 18 meses. As variáveis ecocardiográficas estudadas foram o volume sistólico do ventrículo esquerdo, a fração de ejeção, os diâmetros sistólico e diastólico finais e os volumes sistólico e diastólico finais. O estudo estatístico foi estruturado com a análise de variância para dados repetidos e o teste nãoparamétrico de Friedmann, objetivando a avaliação do comportamento das variáveis ao longo do tempo. A sobrevida foi aferida pelo método de Kaplan-Meyer e a classe funcional avaliada pelo método de McNemar. Resultados: Dois (10%) pacientes faleceram no período imediato: broncopneumonia e falência de múltiplos órgãos. A sobrevida ao final do primeiro ano foi de 85%, do segundo 44%, do terceiro 44%, do quarto 44% e do quinto 44%. Aos 48 meses de seguimento, a classe funcional melhorou (p<0,001), bem como aos 54 meses. A comparação entre os momentos pré e 3 meses, empregando-se a análise de variância para dados repetidos, não revelou alteração significativa para o volume sistólico (p=0,086). Houve acréscimo da fração de ejeção (p=0,008) e decréscimo do diâmetro diastólico final (p=0,038); do diâmetro sistólico final (p=0,008); do volume diastólico final (p=0,029) e do volume sistólico final (p=0,009). Para a avaliação dos momentos pré, 3 e 6 meses, empregou-se o teste não-paramétrico de Friedmann e não houve significância para nenhuma das variáveis ecocardiográficas. Na avaliação dos momentos pré, 3 meses e última avaliação (final), empregando-se a análise de variância para dados repetidos, não houve significância para os dados estudados. Conclusão: Há melhora significativa da fração de ejeção, dos volumes sistólico e diastólico finais e diâmetros sistólico e diastólico finais do ventrículo esquerdo; até o terceiro mês de pós-operatório. A partir de então, as variáveis permanecem estáveis. / Background. We aimed to evaluate mitral valve replacement results and a new technique for complete chordae tendineae adjustment for left ventricular remodeling. Methods. Twenty end-stage idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy patients with severe functional mitral valve regurgitation underwent mitral valve replacement from July 2000 to December 2003. Three (15%) were in New York Heart Association functional class (FC) III; 17 (85%) were in FC IV. Hospital admissions for congestive heart failure in the 12 months prior to surgery were 5.4 ± 3.1 and 2.4±1.2 in the intensive care. Both anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral valve were divided to obtain 4 pillars of chordae tendineae. These were displaced with traction toward the left atrium and anchored between the mitral annulus and a valvular prosthesis. To evaluate the left ventricular remodeling doppler echocardiography were performed. The statistical analysis was structured with variance analysis and Friedman´s test. Results. Two (10%) early deaths occurred from bronchopneumonia and multisystem organ failure. Kaplan-Meyer showed survival at one year post-operative was 85%, 2 years was 44%, 3 years was 44%, 4 years was 44% and 5 years was 44%. At 48 and 54 months of follow-up, McNemar test showed improvement in Functional Class (p<0.001). At third month of follow-up, variance analyses showed improvement in ejection fraction (p=0.008) and decreasing in end-diastolic diameter (p=0.038), end-sistolic diameter (p=0.008), end-sistolic volume (p=0.029) and end-diastolic volume (p=0.009). No statistical difference were noted in systolic volume. Comparing pre-operative, third and six months of follow-up, Friedmann test showed no statistical differences for all variables studied. Variance analyses for pre, third and final evaluation showed samething. Conclusion. This new technique of mitral valve replacement, involving the positioning of the chordae tendineae, should improvement in EF and decreasing in DD, SD,SV and DV till third month of follow-up. The variables sustain this changes during follow-up. An improvement in functional class and survival were assignated in this group.

Introdução: A insuficiência cardíaca é uma síndrome clínica grave e freqüente. Nos estágios avançados, pode se apresentar em associação com a insuficiência mitral secundária. O quadro clínico piora e a sobrevida diminui quando a insuficiência mitral está presente. A abordagem cirúrgica da insuficiência mitral secundária tem sido motivo de investigação e a tração quádrupla dos músculos papilares com implante de prótese biológica pode ser uma opção. Objetivo: Avaliar, através da ecocardiografia trans-torácica, a geometria e a função do ventrículo esquerdo após a troca da valva mitral com tração e fixação quádrupla dos músculos papilares, nos pacientes portadores de insuficiência cardíaca terminal com insuficiência mitral secundária. Casuística: Foram operados de forma consecutiva 20 pacientes portadores de insuficiência cardíaca terminal por miocardiopatia dilatada com insuficiência mitral secundária. O sexo masculino predominou: 70%. A idade variou entre 27 e 72 anos, com média de 50,2 +- 9 anos. O número de admissões na enfermaria no ano precedente à operação foi em média 5,4 por paciente e 2,4 na unidade de terapia intensiva. Onze (55%) estavam em uso prolongado de drogas vasoativas. A fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo, determinada pelo método de Teicholz, foi menor ou igual a 30% em todos os pacientes. Dezessete (85%) estavam em classe funcional IV (NYHA). Método: Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à troca da valva mitral com tração e fixação quádrupla dos papilares. Dezoito (90%) receberam biopróteses de pericárdio bovino um tamanho menor que a medida calculada no ato operatório e dois (10%) receberam próteses mecânicas. A plástica tricúspide (DeVega) foi realizada em 12 (60%) pacientes. No seguimento, os exames ecocardiográficos foram agrupados em períodos: três, 6, 12 e 18 meses. As variáveis ecocardiográficas estudadas foram o volume sistólico do ventrículo esquerdo, a fração de ejeção, os diâmetros sistólico e diastólico finais e os volumes sistólico e diastólico finais. O estudo estatístico foi estruturado com a análise de variância para dados repetidos e o teste nãoparamétrico de Friedmann, objetivando a avaliação do comportamento das variáveis ao longo do tempo. A sobrevida foi aferida pelo método de Kaplan-Meyer e a classe funcional avaliada pelo método de McNemar. Resultados: Dois (10%) pacientes faleceram no período imediato: broncopneumonia e falência de múltiplos órgãos. A sobrevida ao final do primeiro ano foi de 85%, do segundo 44%, do terceiro 44%, do quarto 44% e do quinto 44%. Aos 48 meses de seguimento, a classe funcional melhorou (p<0,001), bem como aos 54 meses. A comparação entre os momentos pré e 3 meses, empregando-se a análise de variância para dados repetidos, não revelou alteração significativa para o volume sistólico (p=0,086). Houve acréscimo da fração de ejeção (p=0,008) e decréscimo do diâmetro diastólico final (p=0,038); do diâmetro sistólico final (p=0,008); do volume diastólico final (p=0,029) e do volume sistólico final (p=0,009). Para a avaliação dos momentos pré, 3 e 6 meses, empregou-se o teste não-paramétrico de Friedmann e não houve significância para nenhuma das variáveis ecocardiográficas. Na avaliação dos momentos pré, 3 meses e última avaliação (final), empregando-se a análise de variância para dados repetidos, não houve significância para os dados estudados. Conclusão: Há melhora significativa da fração de ejeção, dos volumes sistólico e diastólico finais e diâmetros sistólico e diastólico finais do ventrículo esquerdo; até o terceiro mês de pós-operatório. A partir de então, as variáveis permanecem estáveis. / Background. We aimed to evaluate mitral valve replacement results and a new technique for complete chordae tendineae adjustment for left ventricular remodeling. Methods. Twenty end-stage idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy patients with severe functional mitral valve regurgitation underwent mitral valve replacement from July 2000 to December 2003. Three (15%) were in New York Heart Association functional class (FC) III; 17 (85%) were in FC IV. Hospital admissions for congestive heart failure in the 12 months prior to surgery were 5.4 ± 3.1 and 2.4±1.2 in the intensive care. Both anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral valve were divided to obtain 4 pillars of chordae tendineae. These were displaced with traction toward the left atrium and anchored between the mitral annulus and a valvular prosthesis. To evaluate the left ventricular remodeling doppler echocardiography were performed. The statistical analysis was structured with variance analysis and Friedman´s test. Results. Two (10%) early deaths occurred from bronchopneumonia and multisystem organ failure. Kaplan-Meyer showed survival at one year post-operative was 85%, 2 years was 44%, 3 years was 44%, 4 years was 44% and 5 years was 44%. At 48 and 54 months of follow-up, McNemar test showed improvement in Functional Class (p<0.001). At third month of follow-up, variance analyses showed improvement in ejection fraction (p=0.008) and decreasing in end-diastolic diameter (p=0.038), end-sistolic diameter (p=0.008), end-sistolic volume (p=0.029) and end-diastolic volume (p=0.009). No statistical difference were noted in systolic volume. Comparing pre-operative, third and six months of follow-up, Friedmann test showed no statistical differences for all variables studied. Variance analyses for pre, third and final evaluation showed samething. Conclusion. This new technique of mitral valve replacement, involving the positioning of the chordae tendineae, should improvement in EF and decreasing in DD, SD,SV and DV till third month of follow-up. The variables sustain this changes during follow-up. An improvement in functional class and survival were assignated in this group.

Background: The use of percutaneous left ventricular assist devices in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS) is evolving. The aim of the study was to assess the long-term outcome of patients with AMICS depending on early initiation of Impella CP® support prior to a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent PCI and Impella CP® support between 2014 and 2016 for AMICS at our institution. We compared survival to discharge between those with support initiation before (pre-PCI) and after (post-PCI) PCI. Results: A total of 73 consecutive patients (69±12 years old, 27.4% female) were supported with Impella CP® and underwent PCI for AMICS (34 pre-PCI vs. 39 post-PCI). All patients were admitted with cardiogenic shock, and 58.9% sustained cardiac arrest. Survival at discharge was 35.6%. Compared with the post-PCI group, patients in the pre-PCI group had more lesions treated (p=0.03), a higher device weaning rate (p=0.005) and higher survival to discharge as well as to 30 and 90 days after device implantation, respectively (50.0% vs. 23.1%, 48.5% vs. 23.1%, 46.9 vs. 20.5%, p < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a higher survival at one year (31.3% vs. 17.6%, log-rank p-value=0.03) in the pre-PCI group. Impella support initiation before PCI was an independent predictor of survival up to 180 days after device implantation. Conclusions: In this small, single-centre, non-randomized study Impella CP® initiation prior to PCI was associated with higher survival rates at discharge and up to one year in AMICS patients presenting with high risk for in-hospital mortality.