The Journal of invasive cardiology
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The use of thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is recommended in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing mechanical revascularization. When thrombus aspiration is adopted, the standard technique includes, after mechanical thrombus extraction, angioplasty and/or stent implantation to eliminate residual stenosis. To date, no data are available concerning the use of thrombectomy alone without additional ballooning or stenting. ⋯ In selected patients with STEMI undergoing mechanical reperfusion, thrombus aspiration without additional ballooning or stenting may be successfully performed. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical relevance of this novel approach.