Mechanical circulatory support and its implications for anaesthesia and critical care

Published Date: 01st April 2021

Publication Authors: Downes C

Abstract
Mechanical circulatory support is an increasingly important strategy for the treatmentof a subset of patients with acute heart failure. Use of extracorporeal circuits withpumps and oxygenators to augment cardiac function can be immediately lifesaving, whereasimplantable therapies can allow patients, with advanced heart disease, to resume nearnormal lives. Options for mechanical support are expanding, with long-term prognosisimproving as devices become more sophisticated and complication rates fall. The perioperativemanagement of such patients is reliant on complex specialist pathways and effectivemultidisciplinary decision making. Critical care considerations for mechanical circulatorysupport are wide-ranging, and an understanding of the underlying physiology, devicecircuitry, anticoagulation, haemostasis, invasive monitoring and transoesophagealechocardiography is essential.

Downes, C; Charlesworth, M. (2021). Mechanical circulatory support and its implications for anaesthesia and critical care. Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine. 22 (4), 238-242

Downes, C; Charlesworth, M. (2024). Mechanical circulatory support and its implications for anaesthesia and critical care. Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine. 25(3), pp.180-184. [Online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mpaic.2023.11.013 [Accessed 8 March 2024]

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