Introduction
Cardiogenic shock is a critical state defined by decreased cardiac output and impaired end-organ perfusion1–3. Typically originating from an initial cardiac insult, the process often generates a systemic cascade resulting in inflammation, cardiac ischemia, and further impairment of cardiac function4,5. Despite years of study and advances in technology, the mortality associated with cardiogenic shock has remained remarkably high6,7. Most treatment options of the cardiogenic shock state focus on the support of hemodynamics with the goal of optimizing end-organ perfusion3,8,9. These options include invasive hemodynamic monitoring, intravenous inotropic support, and mechanical circulatory support.
Cardiogenic shock following cardiac surgery has been demonstrated to carry a very poor prognosis10–13. Likewise, conventional cardiac surgery in the patient presenting with cardiogenic shock is often associated with suboptimal operative outcomes. While the operation may be targeted at reversing the inciting insult, whether it be coronary ischemia or acute valvular pathology, the early-results have been dismal14. However, longer-term impacts following cardiac surgery in the shock state has been less established. This study aims at investigating the long-term outcomes of conventional cardiac surgical procedures in cardiogenic shock patients.