Incidence and management of "no-reflow" following percutaneous coronary interventions

Abstract

No-reflow is a complex condition associated with inadequate myocardial perfusion of the coronary artery in the absence of epicardial obstruction. It can occur in several settings, including percutaneous coronary intervention, especially in complex thrombotic lesions of native arteries and vein grafts and in primary angioplasty. The causes of no-reflow are not completely understood, and current treatments consist of intracoronary vasodilators, antithrombotic therapies, and mechanical devices (including aspiration thrombectomy catheters and embolic protection devices).