Mechanical circulatory assistance has become a frequent therapeutic option for patients with advanced heart failure. For patients with acute cardiogenic shock and impaired organ function, short-term assistance with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is the leading therapeutic option. It enables a “bridge to decision-making” i.e. withdrawal of the device after myocardial recovery or after recognition of therapeutic futility, or as a bridge-to-transplantation or to long-term mechanical support.