RCIS Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump and Mechanical Circulatory Support 3

Question 1

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) provides support by:

Accepted Answer

Draining venous blood, oxygenating it extracorporeally, and returning it to the arterial system

Answer

Augmenting diastolic blood pressure only

Answer

Pumping blood from the LV to the pulmonary artery

Answer

Providing only respiratory support

Question 2

In patients on VA-ECMO, a complication called 'North-South syndrome' or 'Harlequin syndrome' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Differential hypoxia with well-oxygenated lower body but hypoxic upper body when native heart function partially recovers

Answer

Bilateral leg ischemia

Answer

Hemolysis caused by the ECMO pump

Answer

Thrombosis of the ECMO circuit

Question 3

The primary goal of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in cardiogenic shock is to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain end-organ perfusion while allowing myocardial recovery or bridge to definitive therapy

Answer

Permanently replace cardiac function

Answer

Increase heart rate to maintain cardiac output

Answer

Eliminate the need for vasopressors in all cases

Question 4

When comparing IABP to Impella in terms of cardiac output support, which statement is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Impella provides significantly greater active flow augmentation than IABP

Answer

IABP provides greater cardiac output augmentation than Impella

Answer

Both devices provide equivalent levels of cardiac output support

Answer

IABP is preferred over Impella in all cardiogenic shock patients

Question 5

A 'suction alarm' on the Impella device most commonly indicates:

Accepted Answer

The inlet is positioned too close to the mitral valve or the LV is underfilled

Answer

Device malfunction requiring immediate replacement

Answer

Aortic valve regurgitation

Answer

Excessive cardiac output

Question 6

Which hemodynamic parameter is most directly improved by IABP in a patient with left ventricular failure?

Accepted Answer

Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP)

Answer

Pulmonary vascular resistance

Answer

Right atrial pressure

Answer

Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure baseline

Question 7

When weaning a patient from Impella support, which clinical parameter is most important to monitor?

Accepted Answer

Hemodynamic stability including blood pressure and cardiac output at lower power settings

Answer

Body temperature

Answer

Urine output only

Answer

ECG QRS duration