Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) encompasses a range of temporary and durable devices designed to stabilise or fully support cardiovascular function in patients facing severe circulatory failure. These technologies are essential in cardiogenic shock, advanced heart failure, perioperative cardiac surgery and complex interventional cardiology procedures. As demand for advanced hemodynamic support grows globally, clinicians increasingly turn to expert-driven educational programmes and specialised cardiology conference sessions that reveal current evidence, device selection strategies and real-world implementation pathways.

Mechanical circulatory support includes percutaneous devices such as intra-aortic balloon pumps, Impella systems and extracorporeal life support, as well as surgical options like durable LVADs. Each device operates through different mechanisms—ranging from afterload reduction to direct ventricular unloading—and requires an understanding of hemodynamic physiology, patient selection, device settings and ongoing monitoring. This session discusses how to evaluate shock phenotypes, respiratory status, metabolic derangements and right ventricular function to determine the most appropriate device.

Because MCS is closely tied to advanced heart failure management, the programme emphasises early recognition of circulatory compromise and timely escalation of support. Attendees will explore algorithms for shock staging, escalation pathways, weaning protocols and integration of multi-organ function assessment. Special attention is given to the interplay between right and left ventricular loading conditions, vascular resistance, arrhythmias and microcirculatory flow, all of which influence device performance and outcomes.

The session also outlines peri-procedural considerations including vascular access management, anticoagulation strategies, imaging for cannula positioning and infection prevention. Participants will learn structured approaches to troubleshooting alarms, handling hemolysis, addressing limb ischemia, recognising device malfunction and coordinating multidisciplinary care during rapid deterioration. Case scenarios illustrate how teams respond to complex complications while balancing hemodynamic stability and organ recovery.

A key pillar of the discussion is long-term planning, including transitions between temporary support and durable therapy, bridge-to-transplant decisions and candidacy evaluation for LVADs or transplantation. The programme also addresses healthcare system perspectives, highlighting cost considerations, staffing requirements, quality metrics and infrastructure needed to establish or expand an MCS service.

The session concludes with an overview of innovations, including next-generation percutaneous pumps, improved oxygenation circuits, magnetically suspended systems, integrated hemodynamic analytics and AI-supported monitoring tools. With these insights, clinicians will be equipped to optimise patient outcomes and strengthen their institutional MCS capabilities.