Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Infarct-Related Cardiogenic Shock

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.