Protocolised Management of Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock in Australia—Initial Experience From a Hub-and-Spoke Model

Background: Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS) confers short-term mortality of 40%–50%. Protocolised network management of AMICS patients as part of a hub-and-spoke model supported by upstream mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is gaining traction globally to treat AMICS. Method: We conducted a prospective multicenter study in Melbourne, Australia describing our 5-year experience utilizing a protocolised hub-and-spoke model of care for patients with AMICS supported by planned upstream use of Impella CP (Abiomed, Danvers, MA). Results: From December 2019 to August 2024, 31 patients were treated for AMICS with Impella MCS support. Median age was 60 years and 87% were males. ST-elevation myocardial infarction accounted for 84% of presentations, and 29% were complicated by cardiac arrest. The majority of patients treated were in SCAI-CSWG stage D (52%), and stage C (26%) shock. Upstream Impella prior to PCI occurred in 84% of patients. The 30-day survival rate was 74%. An adverse event occurred in 39% of patients. Device-related complications were due to hemolysis (32%) and arrhythmia (3%). Escalation of MCS support was required in five patients (16%). Multivariate analysis identified patients requiring transfer to the hub center prior to revascularisation as an independent predictor of mortality (OR 13.2 [1.34–129.3] p = 0.027). Conclusion: In this first protocolised hub-and-spoke model of care for AMICS supported by planned upstream use of Impella in Australia, 30-day survival was high compared to published historical rates. Patient and device-related complication rates were low. Expansion of the hub-and-spoke model for the treatment of AMICS appears warranted.