Primary coronary stenting for treatment of acute myocardial infarction

The use of intravenous thrombolytic therapy has emerged as one of the most important pharmacological intervention in acute myocardial infarction, since by restoring blood flow in the occluded infarct related artery, it may preserve viable myocardial tissue, protect left ventricular function and reduce mortality. However, such approach only aims to dissolve the acute coronary thrombus and leave the underlying atherosclerotic plaque untreated. Another alternative is mechanical intervention by means of primary coronary angioplasty (primary PTCA). However, vessel reocclusion and late restenosis after successful PTCA remain a problem. We reported our initial experience with primary coronary stenting in 6 patients. Success rate was 100% with no death, reinfarction and recurrent ischemia. At short-medium follow-up there were no adverse major cardiac events and target vessel revascularization was not required. Further studies are required to prove the safety and feasibility of this treatment strategy.