National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative

Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS) is a deadly condition with a historical in-hospital survival of only 50%. To date, the only therapy proven to benefit patients in AMICS using data from randomized control trials has been early mechanical reperfusion. Accordingly, current American and European guidelines confer a class IB indication for reperfusion therapy in the setting of AMICS. Unfortunately, little progress has been made on improving survival with subsequent therapies, including intra-aortic balloon pump counter-pulsation (IABP). This lack of progress is worrisome since the incidence of AMICS appears to be increasing.

With the FDA approval of Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) in AMICS, a powerful new tool has become available for hemodynamic support. Impella is a transcatheter axial flow pump, delivered percutaneous, with the ability to provide 2.5 to 4.0 liters/minute of forward flow. The device should provide sufficient forward cardiac flow to support vital organs in the majority of patients who present with AMICS. Since Impella is the only percutaneous temporary ventricular support device approved as safe and effective for use in AMICS, the use of the device has steadily grown. Unfortunately, there is little data available to providers as to the best practice patterns associated with the delivery and use of Impella in AMICS.

Using the most up-to-date research, a treatment algorithm for AMICS was developed and subsequently implemented as a quality improvement initiative throughout southeast Michigan. Patient information was gathered by each of the sites and collected in a retrospective registry. Outcomes and results were shared during quarterly meetings and concluded with a 41-patient pilot feasibility study. This initial pilot study revealed a 76% survival to discharge, a significant improvement compared to prior historical controls.

Given the promising outcomes, leaders from around the world have implemented the treatment algorithm in their local clinical practices with similar results. The investigators have therefore launched the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative (NCSI). The aim of the NCSI is to bring together experienced centers across the nation who are experts in mechanical reperfusion therapies and have a large experience with the use of mechanical circulatory support devices to systematize care in AMICS.

Our goal is to dramatically decrease the duration patients remain in cardiogenic shock and attempt to decrease total usage and duration of vasopressors and ionotropic agents. The investigators aim to further demonstrate that rapid delivery of mechanical circulatory support will improve hemodynamics, reverse the spiraling neuro-hormonal cascade associated with cardiogenic shock, allowing clinicians to decrease use of vasopressors and inotropic agents and ultimately improve survival.