The importance of early patency after acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

The importance of achieving rapid patency of the infarct-related artery during acute myocardial infarction has become well recognized. Early, sustained patency of the infarct-related vessel correlates with improved left ventricular function, better in-hospital outcomes, and lower mortality. Various strategies designed to improve early patency, including "prehospital" thrombolysis, use of an accelerated recombinant tissue plasminogen activator regimen, and immediate angioplasty have been studied. This paper reviews the importance of achieving early patency, the various strategies employed, and the evidence for their efficacy. Future directions in treatment of acute myocardial infarction are touched upon briefly.