Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support and Shock Teams in High-Risk Cardiac Surgery: The Strategic Evolution of Protected Cardiac Surgery
Author Department
Surgery
Document Type
Article, Peer-reviewed
Publication Date
1-2026
Abstract
Background: Protected Cardiac Surgery is a proactive strategy that applies temporary mechanical circulatory support to prevent perioperative low cardiac output syndrome in high-risk cardiac surgery. Rather than escalating vasoactive agents after hemodynamic decline, the approach emphasizes early identification of physiologic vulnerability and timely initiation of support.
Methods: We conducted a structured literature review of peer-reviewed studies published from 2000 to 2024 on temporary mechanical circulatory support in adult cardiac surgery. Fifty-two studies were selected based on relevance to early or prophylactic support, timing of initiation, risk stratification, and systems of care. Clinical insights from multidisciplinary experts also informed the review framework.
Results: Inotropic escalation after hemodynamic deterioration is consistently associated with poor outcomes. High pharmacologic requirements and severe metabolic derangements predict very high mortality, whereas conventional risk scores often fail to identify vulnerable patients. In contrast, early initiation of mechanical support has been associated with lower in-hospital mortality, reduced dependence on vasoactive agents, and improved recovery. Physiologic markers such as filling pressures and lactate levels may provide earlier signals of circulatory decline. Effective implementation also requires institutional coordination, team-based planning, and regional referral systems.
Conclusions: Protected cardiac surgery reframes success in high-risk cardiac surgery by focusing on recovery rather than survival alone. It integrates physiology-guided support with structured planning and system-level readiness to improve outcomes in vulnerable surgical populations.
Recommended Citation
Salazar L, Nersesian G, Meani P, Bari G, Mariani S, Potapov E, Di Mauro M, Gelsomino S, Milojevic M, Schmack B, Stein L, Zimpfer D, Wiedemann D, Soltetz E, Bermudez C, Haft J, Moreno P, Tonna J, Takayama H, Lamarche Y, Rao V, Faerber G, Meyns B, Takeda K, Boeken U, MacLaren G, Whitman G, Patel B, Silvestry S, Goldstein DJ, Arora RC, Engelman DT, Lorusso R. Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support and Shock Teams in High-Risk Cardiac Surgery: The Strategic Evolution of Protected Cardiac Surgery. Ann Thorac Surg. 2026 Jan 14:S0003-4975(26)00011-1. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2025.12.032. Epub ahead of print.
PMID
41544922