The ISHLT/HFSA Guideline on Acute Mechanical Circulatory Support

Published 6 February 2023

Alexander M. Bernhardt, MD; Hannah Copeland, MD; Anita Deswal, MD, MPH; Jason Gluck, DO; Michael M. Givertz, MD

J Heart Lung Transplant Apr 2023;42(4):E1-64.

  • Advanced Heart Failure & Transplantation
  • Cardiology
  • Joint Statement
  • Mechanical Circulatory Support
  • Professional Guideline
  • Publications & Journals
  • Standards & Guidelines

In spite of medical advances, cardiogenic and pulmonary shock are associated with high mortality and morbidity. The availability and use of acute or temporary mechanical support devices has grown over the years, with the goal of improving patient outcomes by temporarily providing support to allow time for organ recovery or for longer-term decisions including transition to durable therapies.

ISHLTA collaborative effort commissioned by the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) and the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) has developed this critically-needed critically-needed guideline for the management of patients requiring acute mechanical circulatory support (MCS).

Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) LogoThe document covers:

  • Definitions of cardiogenic and pulmonary shock
  • Medical treatment and surgical interventions
  • Management of patients supported with temporary devices
  • Complications
  • Special populations
  • Social and ethical dilemmas

The writing groups for this document included multidisciplinary members from both societies with a focus on diversity in gender, geography, area of expertise, and level of seniority. This document is perfect for cardiologists, especially interventional and advanced heart failure, pulmonary-critical care specialists, intensivists, cardiothoracic surgeons, as well as referring providers. 

Read at JHLT

Download Figures
Download the Press Release (PDF)