The Aortix device: Support in a tube.

The use of percutaneous mechanical support devices is becoming more embedded within the therapeutic armamentarium for patients presenting with decompensated heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and patients undergoing high risk PCI. The Aortix device offers a new approach to percutaneous support that appears to be safe to implement and overcomes some of the drawbacks of the extant devices. Further investigation remains warranted to evaluate its ultimate utility and place among the approach to the patient in need of circulatory support.