Hemolysis during short-term mechanical circulatory support: from pathophysiology to diagnosis and treatment.

Hemolysis remains a threat to patients supported with any mechanical circulatory support device. Prevention as well as treatment demands for sufficient knowledge about the device, the optimal position, and hemodynamics. Future studies should try to clarify some of the elements that are still unclear, such as optimal anticoagulation, the location of pentoxifylline, or extracorporeal removal of free hemoglobin. This could help to optimize outcomes in clinical practice as well as future studies.