Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump enough blood into the circulation. It often occurs after a severe myocardial infarction, but other forms of heart failure can also be the cause. Temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems are increasingly used to stabilize organ perfusion. Microaxial, left ventricular support systems can provide short-term relief for patients and serve as a bridge-to-recovery, further therapeutic decision-making, or implantation of a long-term MCS device.

It remains insufficiently understood, however, how these systems affect flow conditions within the aorta and blood supply to the coronary arteries. The project by Linda Grefen, MD therefore investigates modern MCS devices in an experimental mock circulatory flow loop model. Using sensor-based measurements and imaging techniques, the researchers analyze how pump position, support level, and patient-specific anatomy alter hemodynamics. The goal is to better understand the clinical use of these systems and to improve the long-term treatment of patients with severe heart disease.