Comparison between glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade and distal protection device for the restoration of myocardial perfusion during percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction.

We compared the use of abciximab with a distal balloon occlusion device in preserving myocardial perfusion among patients undergoing acute percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Of 114 patients, 40 were treated with abciximab and 74 with distal protection. Although pre-treatment with abciximab resulted in marginally better myocardial perfusion at initial coronary angiography, distal protection emerged superior at the end of the procedure.