This document describes the case of a 67-year-old man in progressive cardiogenic shock following a myocardial infarction. He underwent subclavian intra-aortic balloon pump placement followed by peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal life support due to worsening shock. The combination of intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation and extracorporeal life support support stabilized the patient, allowing successful bridge to permanent left ventricular assist device placement three days later. The case highlights the multidisciplinary approach and graded medical and mechanical circulatory support needed to manage refractory cardiogenic shock as a bridge to destination therapy.