Cardiogenic shock remains one of the most complex and life-threatening conditions in cardiovascular medicine, associated with persistently high morbidity and mortality.

Recognising the urgent need for structured, high-quality education, ACVC and EAPCI have joined forces to create this new School.

This collaboration introduces an innovative, two-tiered educational programme.

To ensure tailored and impactful learning, the programme is split into two complementary courses per year, each meeting distinct levels of expertise and educational needs:

• Level 1 (Paris, France - 2025) is designed for physicians new to mechanical circulatory support (MCS) or those introducing these technologies in their centres. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of cardiogenic shock management and MCS initiation.
• Level 2 (Barcelona, Spain - 2026) is tailored to experienced clinicians who already manage cardiogenic shock patients and seek advanced insights into complex decision-making, clinical case simulation, hands-on escalation strategies, and MCS techniques.

Level 2 is now ready!

When: 14 - 15 January 2026

Where: Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Barcelona, Spain

Target audience

All physicians with experience in cardiogenic shock management seeking advanced insights into complex decision-making, escalation strategies, and technical expertise in MCS.

Workshops

1. Shock Classification: Phenotype, Profiles and Severity 
2. Pharmacotherapy in Cardiogenic Shock
3. Invasive Haemodynamics and Non-Invasive Perfusion and Congestion
4. ECMO Unloading
5. Microaxial Blood Pump Catheter
6. Choice of the Appropriate MCS
7. Airway Management and Mechanical Ventilation in Cardiogenic Shock
8. Shock Team in Action: Interdisciplinary Care

Format

• Workshops are specifically designed for small groups to optimise learning outcomes
• Each group rotates among the workshops during two full days

Timetable

Learning Objectives

• Differentiate and classify cardiogenic shock phenotypes, integrating clinical and hemodynamic profiles into tailored management strategies.
• Critically evaluate the role of vasoactive drugs, mechanical ventilation, and invasive monitoring in optimising shock stabilisation.
• Compare and contrast advanced MCS modalities (ECMO, microaxial pumps), including their indications, limitations, and timing of deployment.
• Formulate and defend evidence-based decisions in complex or ambiguous shock scenarios, with emphasis on escalation and de-escalation strategies.
• Demonstrate leadership in operationalising a high-performing shock team through interdisciplinary collaboration and crisis management.

Registration fees (including VAT)

• Non ACVC/EAPCI Member: €670
• ACVC/EAPCI Member: €570
• ACVC/EAPCI Young Member: €470

Registration will open soon

contact: escacute@escardio.org