Should We Emergently Revascularize

The pump s major advantages are its ease of use and wide availability. Frequent lABP use is speculated to have been a factor affecting the low 30-day mortality of the medically treated group in the SHOCK (Should we emergently revascularize Occluded Coronaries for cardiogenic shocK ) trial [7]. However, other studies suggest that the lABP only delays death and does not prevent it [8]. The lABP s main limitations are its short duration of use and requirement for partially intact left ventricular function [9]. 

Hochman IS, Sleeper LA, Webb JG, et al. Early revascularization in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock SHOCK Investigators Should we emergently revascularize occluded coronaries for cardiogenic shock. N Eng J Med 1999 341 625-634. 

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