Basic view on the pathobiology of myocardial ischemia during coronary angioplasty: implications for cardiac protection.

PTCA is not only an effective therapeutic tool but a unique opportunity to study the pathobiology of the human myocardium during ischemia and reperfusion. In addition, it is a good model to assess potential therapeutic interventions. Studies performed during PTCA contributed significantly to the understanding of the metabolic, electrophysiologic, hemodynamic, and coronary perfusion changes in the human heart following coronary occlusion. Combining the data from experimental models and human patients may lead to better techniques for myocardial protection during PTCA and consequently reduce the risk of patients undergoing mechanical revascularization.