Device-based therapies for cardiorenal syndrome: A comprehensive, mechanism-driven framework for next-generation decongestion

BACKGROUND Cardiorenal dysfunction is a major contributor to morbidity, rehospitalization, and mortality in advanced heart failure (HF) and cardiogenic shock. Traditional decongestive approaches-loop diuretics, combination natriuretics, and ultrafiltration-are frequently inadequate in the setting of diuretic resistance or persistent venous and interstitial congestion, underscoring a substantial therapeutic gap. CONTENT Novel device-based therapies have emerged to address the hemodynamic mechanisms underlying cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). These technologies can be categorized into five mechanistic families: (1) Pushers, which augment forward aortic flow to improve renal arterial perfusion; (2) Pullers, which selectively reduce renal venous hypertension; (3) Fluid Shifters, which mobilize interstitial fluid through lymphatic or peritoneal pathways; (4) Automated Diuresis Systems, which maintain euvolemia and optimize natriuresis during intensive loop diuresis; and (5) Splanchnic Nerve Ablation/Modulation, which increases venous capacitance and lowers cardiac filling pressures. Early feasibility studies report improvements in hemodynamics, enhanced natriuresis, reductions in filling pressures, and stabilization of renal function, reinforcing the physiologic rationale central to CRS management. GAPS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS Despite encouraging early results, substantial uncertainties remain. Criteria for patient selection, standardized trial endpoints, integration with guideline-directed therapy, and long-term renal and cardiovascular outcomes are not yet established. Small sample sizes, short follow-up durations, and a lack of randomized comparative trials limit existing evidence. CONCLUSION Device-based therapies represent a shift from symptomatic fluid removal toward targeted, mechanism-driven decongestion in advanced HF and CRS. Future phenotype-guided, rigorously designed randomized trials are essential to determine whether these technologies can meaningfully modify renal trajectory, reduce hospitalization burden, and improve survival in this high-risk population.