Left ventricular assist devices in acute cardiovascular care patients and high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions

ABSTRACT Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) plays a key role in the management of patients with obstructive coronary artery disease. Besides, depending on the patients’ clinical presentation, characteristics, comorbidities, and coronary anatomy, an increasing number of patients will undergo a high-risk PCI. Left ventricular assist devices, as the intra-aortic balloon pump, TandemHeart, Impella, HeartMate PHP, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are useful tools to provide circulatory support for high-risk PCIs. Some studies and trials have assessed its impact on this clinical scenario with controversial results. This review provides an overview on the scientific evidence available on the use of left ventricular assist devices and their potential role in high-risk PCI.