Methods of cardiopulmonary support: a review for radiologists.

Physicians are generally aware of the use of bypass pumps during open heart surgery and of the intraaortic balloon pump in treatment of cardiogenic shock. In selected research centers, other advanced methods of cardiopulmonary support are being introduced. Some devices such as the total artificial heart fail clinical trials and disappear from use. Others, like some of the partial artificial hearts, improve outcomes and gain wider clinical use. Some devices temporarily support the circulation in patients recovering from acute circulatory collapse, whereas others provide longer-term circulatory support for patients awaiting transplantation. Permanently implanted devices provide circulatory assistance in cases of chronic, debilitating heart failure. Technology to support lung function in the setting of acute respiratory failure, allowing healing to take place, is also under study. Radiologists should be familiar with the operating principles and radiographic appearances of these emerging techniques to maintain their role as consultants to cardiopulmonary specialists.