What is the purpose of mechanical circulatory support (MCS)?

Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) serves several critical purposes in the management of advanced heart failure, particularly in patients who are not responding to conventional treatments. One of the primary uses of MCS is to act as a bridge to transplantation. This involves providing temporary support to help maintain adequate circulation and end-organ perfusion while a patient awaits a suitable donor heart. MCS devices, such as ventricular assist devices (VADs), can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and stabilize their condition, making them viable candidates for a heart transplant.

By providing this support, MCS can prolong the time a patient can wait for a transplant and can even assist in the recovery of the heart function in some candidates who may otherwise require permanent support. This functionality aligns with the overarching goal of MCS to reduce symptoms, improve hemodynamic status, and ultimately facilitate a successful heart transplantation process when indicated.

While MCS can also provide palliative care measures and, in some cases, might lead to permanent heart replacement, these options are not the primary role of MCS compared to its critical function as a bridge to transplantation. Thus, understanding MCS requires recognizing its significance in addressing the challenges faced by patients with severe heart failure.