
Left Ventricular Unloading During VA-ECMO: A Gordian Knot of Physiology
Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) offers crucial support for severe cardiogenic shock and OHCA patients, with studies suggesting improved outcomes, especially using extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for acute coronary syndrome. However, recent research, including from the SAVE-J II registry, questions the universal benefit of LV unloading strategies like IABP alongside VA-ECMO, indicating a need for more targeted investigations to optimize treatment approaches.