Early introduction of enteral feeding for patients with percutaneous cardiopulmonary support

Early enteral nutrition has been shown to have a beneficial effect on intestinal integrity and motility, immunocompetence, and patient outcome. Generally, circulatory stability is needed for the introduction but, because there is no precise definition, we might miss the right time to begin. In the present study we attempted to establish early enteral nutrition for patients with cardiogenic shock with a ventricular assist device.