This piece looks at the DanGer Shock Trial which examines the efficacy of the Impella device in reducing mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. We explain how the device works, its implantation process, and the significant findings from the trial, including a notable reduction in six-month mortality with a number needed to treat (NNT) of eight. Despite higher rates of bleeding and renal filtration therapy in the Impella group, the trial provides strong evidence supporting its use in high-volume centers with trained personnel, emphasizing the importance of careful patient selection and timely intervention.

Presented by Andy Cumpstey and Joff Lacey with their guest Vasileios Panoulas, an interventional cardiologist at Brompton and Harefield Hospitals and an honorary senior clinical lecturer at Imperial College London.