Supporting the failing myocardium: is intra-aortic balloon pump enough? The IABP-SHOCK II trial

Abstract

Cardiogenic shock (CS) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with high mortality. Ventricular support devices such as intra-aortic balloon pumps have been used in the acute management of this condition. However, a recent randomized controlled trial conducted by Thiele et al. showed that the use of an intra-aortic balloon pump in CS in AMI does not improve 30-day outcomes in these patients. In the following review, the authors discuss the salient features of the article, how the results of this trial are likely to change the management strategies in CS in the setting of AMI and the future directions.