Post by Vumedi Cardiology

For patients in cardiogenic shock, successful MCS deployment is only part of the challenge. Managing vascular access complications is equally critical. Dr. Ajar Kochar reviews real-world data, case-based lessons, and emerging best practices for vascular access management in patients receiving mechanical circulatory support. Key insights include: • Acute limb ischemia occurs in approximately 5–6% of shock patients and is associated with significantly higher in-hospital mortality, particularly among patients with peripheral artery disease, women, and those requiring multiple MCS devices • Bleeding remains a major challenge, with data from DanGer Shock showing that approximately half of all bleeding events occur after device removal, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance beyond the procedure itself • A systematic approach—including ultrasound-guided access, micropuncture technique, femoral angiography, pre-closure strategies, distal perfusion planning, and routine vascular assessment—may help reduce complications and improve outcomes The broader message: technical excellence in vascular access is a core component of modern shock care, not simply a procedural detail. What access strategy or complication-avoidance technique has had the biggest impact in your shock program? 🎥 Watch the full presentation on #Vumedi - https://lnkd.in/g5PEJaaj #CardiogenicShock #MechanicalCirculatorySupport #Impella #CriticalCareCardiology #VumediCardio