The American journal of cardiology
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The purpose of this study was (1) to establish the maximal interval between the onset of ischemia and reperfusion that would permit a decrease in the size of infarction, and (2) to evaluate the relation between changes in infarct size and preservation of cardiac function. Studies were carried out in 19 dogs of which 13 had temporary (1 to 3 hours) occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The hospital course of 15 patients of whom 13 underwent myocardial revascularization within 8 hours of acute infarction was also reviewed. ⋯ In spite of successful revascularization, electrocardiographic evidence of transmural infarction persisted postoperatively. It is concluded that reperfusion of an area of myocardium that has been ischemic for less than 2 hours in dogs or less than 4 hours in man may lead to a significant reduction in the extent of infarction as well as improvement in cardiac function. However, the revascularized area remains angiographically dyskinetic and electrocardiographically abnormal.
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Two experimental series of closed chest dogs were compared: Group A (five dogs with 7 days of continuous occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery); and Group B (six dogs with 7 days of reperfusion after 3 hours of acute occlusion of the same artery). Hemodynamic measurements, ventricular wall motion, coronary sinus blood flow and regional metabolism in both coronary occluded and nonoccluded segments of the left ventricle were measured sequentially. The infarct size was characterized by detailed histopathologic analysis. ⋯ Mean infarct size was 14.2 percent, but in two of the six dogs infarct size was 43 percent and 23 percent, respectively. The study confirmed the unstable character of the early phase of reperfusion, attributed to cell swelling, edema and hemorrhages that resulted in inadequate coronary reflow, arrhythmias and functional derangements. Prolonged reperfusion for 7 days reduced mean infarct size and improved cardiac function.