Direct cardiac compression for cardiogenic shock with the CardioSupport system

Epicardial direct cardiac compression for cardiogenic shock avoids a blood surface interface with associated thromboembolic and immunologic sequelae a nd could be placed rapidly with technical ease. The Cardio Technologies dev ice provides synchronized biventricular cardiac compression, is placed via a thoracotomy, and remains on the heart without need for sutures. In precli nical work, the system has successfully restored cardiac function to near n ormal in the setting of heart failure. The CardioSupport system offers an a ttractive and novel alternative for treating cardiogenic shock and is being prepared for upcoming clinical trials. (C) 2001 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.