Device-Related Adverse Events and Outcomes in Patients With Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support Placed at Referral Centers Versus Cardiogenic Shock Hub Centers: An Observational Analysis

BACKGROUND: Temporary mechanical support (tMCS) devices are often placed for cardiogenic shock (CS) at regional referral centers (RRCs) before transfer to CS hub centers (HCs). We sought to assess for differences in device-related adverse events (DRAEs) and outcomes between patients with tMCS placement for CS at an RRC before transfer to an HC compared with initial tMCS device placement at an HC. METHODS: All patients with tMCS for CS from August 2021 to August 2024 at a single center were stratified by location of initial tMCS device placement. Baseline characteristics, adjudicated DRAEs, mortality, and unfavorable outcomes (death before discharge, heart transplant, or durable left ventricular assist device) were compared. DRAE rates were calculated as events/patient-week on tMCS. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to account for baseline differences. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression were performed to compare mortality. RESULTS: =0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Initial tMCS placement for CS at an RRC with transfer to an HC is associated with a higher DRAE prevalence and worse outcomes than initial tMCS placement at a CS HC. The higher mortality in RRC-implanted patients may be due to greater CS severity.