Abstract The role and timing of percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS) is not well understood. We sought to evaluate patient characteristics and predictors of outcomes in patients presenting with AMICS supported with an axial flow percutaneous MCS device. 287 consecutive unselected patients enrolled in the cVAD Registry presenting with AMICS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were included in this analysis. All patients were supported with either the Impella 2.5 or Impella CP. Mean patient age was 66±12.5 years, 76% were male, mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 25 ±12 %. Prior to receiving MCS, 80% of patients required inotropes or vasopressors and 40% were supported with intra-aortic balloon pump. 9% of patients were under active cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the time of MCS implantation. Survival to discharge was 44%. In a multivariate analysis early implantation of a MCS device prior to PCI (p=0.04) and prior to requiring inotropes and vasopressors (p=0.05) was associated with increased survival. Survival was 66% when MCS was initiated <1.25 hours from shock onset, 37% when initiated within 1.25-4.25 hours, and 26% when initiated after 4.25 hours (p=0.017). Survival was 68%, 46%, 35%, 35%, 26% for patients requiring 0, 1, 2, 3, ≥4 inotropes prior to MCS support respectively (P<0.001). In conclusion, MCS implantation early after shock onset, before initiation of inotropes or vasopressors and prior to PCI, is independently associated with improved survival in patients presenting with AMICS.