Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Sep 2007
ReviewReperfusion strategies in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a comprehensive review of contemporary management options.
There are an estimated 500,000 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) events in the U. S. annually. Despite improvements in care, up to one-third of patients presenting with STEMI within 12 h of symptom onset still receive no reperfusion therapy acutely. ⋯ Careful attention to these variables is critical to ensuring safe and rapid reperfusion, particularly in the prehospital setting. The emerging modality of pharmacoinvasive therapy, although controversial, seeks to combine the benefits of mechanical and pharmacologic reperfusion. Results from ongoing clinical trials will provide guidance regarding the utility of this strategy.