Babir Basir: Next Steps in Light of DanGer Shock Results

Sporting his custom DanGer Shock trial T-shirt, Mir Babar Basir, D.O., explains that the results of the DanGer Shock randomized controlled trial (RCT) have reduced barriers when it comes to evidence-based practice. Dr. Basir is an interventional cardiologist at Henry Ford Medical Center in Detroit, MI, as well as a co-principal investigator of the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative (NCSI).

Dr. Basir highlights that the number needed to treat (NNT) to provide mortality benefit in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction cardiogenic shock (AMICS) in the DanGer Shock trial was 8 patients. Now that the community is equipped with this data, he explains, they can focus on how to use Impella safely, broaden the number of interventional cardiologists comfortable using Impella, and help improve critical care practices to safely manage these patients.

“I think it’s really a holistic approach,” he states, “looking at all aspects of a shock patient’s care.” To move the field forward he emphasizes the importance of making it easier for people to use Impella, providing education and proctoring, and improving overall comfort in managing the system of care. “The more help you have in the intensive care unit, the less worried you are about implanting a device.”

“What we’re doing, particularly at SCAI Shock for example, is working with programs to be able to help mitigate the barriers to the use of Impella now that we know, scientifically, that it improves mortality.” He describes workshops and conferences for multidisciplinary teams covering “all the A-to-Zs of how to run a shock program.” Attendees from hospital systems around the country hear from community-based and tertiary care center experts about what works in their institutions. The teams can then take what they’ve learned and create a shock program specifically designed to work for their institution.

Dr. Basir is compensated by and presenting on behalf of Abiomed and must present information in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. This includes Dr. Basir's opinions and findings based on his own knowledge and experience.