Mechanical circulatory support

The definition of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) refers to a group of mechanical devices which can be added to the physiological circulation providing support or replacement of the heart and/or the lungs. This allows adequate blood flow and oxygenation in situations where pharmaceutical support is insufficient. To establish MCS we have several devices at our disposal which can be used as a stand-alone therapy or supplement each other depending on the clinical need. The ongoing technological development and especially radical miniaturization changes the playing field continuously. This article will briefly discuss some of the currently most used devices.