Prolonged left ventricular unloading prior to revascularization in cardiogenic shock associated with complete ventricular recovery

The use of percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in high-risk coronary intervention and cardiogenic shock is associated with improved ability to obtain complete revascularization. However, whether prolonged left ventricular unloading and mechanical circulatory support prior to coronary revascularization in acute myocardial infarct patients improves outcomes is unclear. We report a case in which a patient with acute anterior myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock received prolonged left ventricular mechanical unloading for 24 h prior to revascularization, and ultimately this resulted in a limited myocardial infarct and complete restoration of left ventricular function.