Successful resuscitation of acute cardiogenic shock presenting as ventricular fibrillation via Bipella approach: a case report

Background The use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (AMICS) complicated by biventricular failure is poorly discussed in the literature. Case summary We present successful treatment of a 52-year-old old man presenting with AMICS following cardiac arrest and prolonged CPR via a Bipella approach for biventricular support and restoration of haemodynamic stability. Discussion This case demonstrates the importance of understanding the role of MCS in the management of cardiogenic shock; the value of the cardiac power output and pulmonary artery pulsatility index as haemodynamic metrics to assess the cardiac function of a patient with cardiogenic shock; and the importance of a Bipella MCS approach in high inpatient morbidity and mortality AMICS with biventricular failure.