Predicting survival with reperfusion arrhythmias during primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction.

Background: The significance of arrhythmia occurring after successful recanalization of an occluded artery during treatment following primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is controversial.

Objectives: To study the association of reperfusion arrhythmia with short and long-term survival.

Methods: We used a prospective registry of consecutive STEMI patients undergoing PPCI.

Intracoronary nitroprusside for the prevention of the no-reflow phenomenon after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Background: The aim of this study was to test whether nitroprusside (NTP) injected intracoronary immediately before primary angioplasty for acute ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) prevents no-reflow and improves vessel flow and myocardial perfusion.

Methods: Ninety-eight patients presenting with STEMI were evenly randomized to receive either NTP (60 microg) or placebo. The drug was selectively injected into the infarct-related artery, distal to the occlusion, in a double-blind manner.

Reperfusion arrhythmias during coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction predict ST-segment resolution.

Background: Despite early recanalization of an occluded infarct-related artery, myocardial reperfusion may remain impaired due to microvascular injury. Reperfusion arrhythmias may indicate successful microvascular reperfusion.

Methods: Microvascular reperfusion was assessed prospectively in 42 consecutive patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by evaluation of the resolution of ST-segment elevation (<50% of initial level) immediately after successful coronary angioplasty.

Covered stent: a novel percutaneous treatment of iatrogenic aortic dissection during coronary angioplasty.

We present a case of bidirectional dissection, with antegrade extension to the right coronary artery and retrograde extension to the sinus of Valsalva and the ascending aorta. The aortocoronary dissection appeared during percutaneous angioplasty to the right coronary artery. The entry site was successfully sealed by a covered stent.

Extraction of the radial artery during transradial coronary angiography: an unusual complication.

The transradial approach is currently an accepted alternative for vascular access during percutaneous coronary interventions. Access-site complications, such as mild hematoma, hematic effusions, and reduced or absent radial pulse, have been reported. We report the occurrence of total extraction of the radial artery during sheath removal.

Rapid evolution from coronary dissection to pseudoaneurysm after stent implantation: a glimpse at the pathogenesis using intravascular ultrasound.

Coronary dissection during angioplasty can evolve into pseudoaneurysm. Stenting should prevent this complication. We present a case of coronary pseudoaneurysm after dissection that developed despite stent implantation.