Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support for Acute Myocardial Infarction Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a critical clinical challenge associated with high morbidity and mortality. Temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) devices can stabilize hemodynamics, improve cardiac output, and enhance survival, thereby continuing to be more favorable with operators. This review summarizes the pathophysiology of AMI-CS and examines the evidence informing recommendations for tMCS device implementation—specifically the intra-aortic balloon pump, Impella (Abiomed/J&J MedTech), TandemHeart™ (LivaNova, Inc.), and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation—with a particular focus on clinical trial data and recent guideline recommendations to assist operators in implementing decision-making.