Profound heart failure, such as acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock and postcardiotomy ventricular failure, requires mechanical circulatory support when recent medical treatment is ineffective. Intra-aortic balloon pumping, venoarterial bypass, cardiopulmonary bypass, left ventricular bypass, biventricular bypass and left ventricular assist device are commonly used circulatory support methods. Type selection and application timing of circulatory supports, based on the understanding of type of cardiac failure, respiratory function and other organ conditions, appears to be most important for successful treatment of profound heart failure.