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    Interventional procedure overview of percutaneous insertion of a catheter-based intravascular microaxial flow pump for cardiogenic shock

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    Clinical assessment tools

    SCAI SHOCK classification

    The SCAI SHOCK classification uses 5 categories (A to E) to indicate the severity of cardiogenic shock:

    • A (at risk) - haemodynamically stable patient not experiencing symptoms of cardiogenic shock, but at risk for its development

    • B (beginning cardiogenic shock) - clinical evidence of haemodynamic instability without evidence of hypoperfusion

    • C (classic cardiogenic shock) - clinical evidence of hypoperfusion that requires pharmacological or mechanical support

    • D (deteriorating) - clinical evidence of shock that worsens or fails to improve despite therapy escalation

    • E (extremis) - refractory shock or actual or impending circulatory collapse.

    Since this classification was devised the SCAI-CSWG has proposed a modified classification with formal criteria for each stage, which was used by Møller (2024). In this version, stage B is defined as having either hypoperfusion or hypotension without the need for drug or device therapy. Stage C is defined as having hypoperfusion and hypotension using the same criteria as for SCAI stage B or having treatment for cardiogenic shock with 1 drug (vasopressor or inotrope) or 1 circulatory support device.