Improved survival after acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock with circulatory support and transplantation: comparing aggressive intervention with conservative treatment.

Background: The prognosis for patients with myocardial infarction has steadily improved, but remains poor for those developing cardiogenic shock. Utilization of re-vascularization, mechanical circulatory support and transplantation in these patients may improve survival.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcome of 138 consecutive patients at the Cleveland Clinic from 1992 to 1998 who met the criteria for cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction.