A Lifeline for Acute Cardiogenic Shock: TSGH Introduces Short-term Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) to Enhance Survival Rates for Critically Ill Patients
Update Date：2026/04/07，
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Hsiang-Yu Yang, M.D., Ph.D. > Chief, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital
Patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction or severe heart failure face extremely high mortality rates once their condition progresses to acute cardiogenic shock.
Dr. Hsiang-Yu Yang, Chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery at Tri-Service General Hospital (TSGH), points out that when a patient’s cardiac pumping function fails rapidly, the timely implementation of a Temporary Ventricular Assist Device (Temporary VAD) can maintain blood circulation at critical moments. This life-saving intervention buys precious time for further treatment and significantly improves the chances of survival.
Dr. Hsiang-Yu Yang states that when acute cardiogenic shock progresses to SCAI Stage D or E, or even reaches INTERMACS Level 1–2, it indicates extreme cardiac failure. At this stage, relying solely on medication or conventional assist devices is often insufficient to maintain effective circulation. Clinically, it is imperative to rapidly implement Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS). In some cases, it may even be necessary to upgrade from Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) to a Temporary Ventricular Assist Device (Temporary VAD) to effectively save the patient's life.
Currently, the CentriMag System is one of the most widely used short-term ventricular assist devices in clinical practice. It can provide left, right, or biventricular circulatory support tailored to the patient’s specific needs. During the acute phase, the system provides stable blood flow and reduces cardiac workload, allowing the myocardium an opportunity to recover. If the heart function does not recover, the CentriMag system can further serve as a vital "Bridge-to-Decision" or "Bridge-to-Transplant", transitioning the patient to a long-term heart pump (VAD) or a heart transplant.
Clinical Case Study: Successful Rescue of a Critically Ill Patient with a Short-term Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)
Dr. Hsiang-Yu Yang shared a recent case involving a 42-year-old male patient who was rushed to the hospital with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A cardiac catheterization revealed severe coronary artery obstruction. During the stenting procedure, the patient suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest.
The medical team immediately initiated Extracorporeal CPR (E-CPR) with ECMO support. Despite these efforts, the patient still developed severe cardiogenic shock and acute pulmonary edema.
The medical team promptly implanted the CentriMag Biventricular Short-term Ventricular Assist Device (BiVAD), successfully stabilizing the patient’s vital signs. During the subsequent course of treatment, the patient was first transitioned to a long-term Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) and ultimately underwent a successful heart transplant. The patient has since recovered and been discharged from the hospital.
In another clinical case, a 53-year-old male patient suffered from right ventricular (RV) failure caused by an acute myocardial infarction. Despite receiving cardiac catheterization and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), his heart function failed to recover. The medical team subsequently implanted a CentriMag Right Ventricular Assist Device (RVAD) to provide circulatory support. This intervention successfully stabilized the patient while he awaited a heart transplant, which was eventually performed with great success. The patient has since fully recovered and been discharged.
TSGH Research Outcomes: Significant Improvement in Survival Rates
The Tri-Service General Hospital (TSGH) medical team also conducted a study on patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), analyzing the outcomes of Extracorporeal CPR (ECPR) support. The study included 89 patients; among them, 26 patients whose conditions did not improve with ECMO alone were upgraded to the CentriMag Biventricular Assist Device (BiVAD), while the remaining 63 patients received ECMO support only.
The study results demonstrate a significant difference in survival outcomes:
• Survival Rate with CentriMag Support: 34.6%
• Survival Rate with ECMO Support Only: 7.9%
The study concludes that when ECMO fails to provide stable circulation, early implementation of a Biventricular Short-term Ventricular Assist Device (BiVAD) can significantly enhance patient survival chances. These research findings have been officially published in the prestigious international medical journal, Artificial Organs.
Dr. Hsiang-Yu Yang stated: "The greatest value of the short-term Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) lies in providing a critical window for 'Bridge-to-Decision' in patients with acute cardiogenic shock. This allows the medical team to evaluate the potential for myocardial recovery or further arrange for long-term mechanical hearts or heart transplantation."
As mechanical circulatory support (MCS) technology continues to advance, the treatment of acute and critical heart disease is entering a new milestone.
Tri-Service General Hospital (TSGH) is committed to the continuous advancement of critical cardiac care. By integrating clinical research with multidisciplinary team collaboration, we strive to bring new hope and a second chance at life to more patients facing severe heart failure.