The main advantages of VA-ECMO are expeditious percutaneous bedside insertion to provide full circulatory support and rapidly improve tissue perfusion in cardiogenic shock for 7 to 10 days. TEE or fluoroscopy can be used to confirm optimal positioning of the cannulae. Due to these reasons, ECMO use is increasingly popular and has the potential for wider clinical use in severe cardiogenic shock. Temporary VADs can support the LV or RV, increase perfusion in cardiogenic shock, decrease myocardial work, and provide support for up to 30 days. However, temporary VADs have a higher vascular injury rate, more hemolysis, and offer lower cardiac support.

References

• ELSO Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Extracorporeal Life Support Extracorporeal Life Support Organization, Version 1.4. Accessed May 14, 2023. www.elso.org
• Vahdatpour C, Collins D, Goldberg S. Cardiogenic shock. J Am Heart Assoc. 2019;8:e011991.