‘Rescue’ angioplasty for failed thrombolysis

ABSTRACT

Early restoration of patency of the infarct-related artery is a universally accepted goal in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. However, even with the most successful fibrinolytic regimen only approximately 50% of patients achieve restoration of normal flow at 90 minutes. “Rescue” angioplasty, the mechanical reopening of an infarct-related artery after unsuccessful fibrinolytic therapy, appears to be beneficial.