'Mechanical thrombectomy alone' as a definite therapy for rescue angioplasty

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Mar 18:2013:bcr2013009002. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-009002.

Abstract

Coronary reperfusion strategies for acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) include primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), intravenous thrombolytic agents and recently mechanical thrombectomy alone during PCI, the latter reserved for those without significant residual disease post-thrombectomy. We describe the success of 'mechanical thrombectomy alone' in two young patients undergoing rescue angioplasty at our institution. Both patients were thrombolysed for inferior STEMI. During rescue PCI, post-thrombus aspiration, mild underlying atherosclerotic burden was detected in both patients, thus possibly obviating the need for further balloon angioplasty or stenting. Cost and compliance with long-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) was an additional factor to avoid stenting. Both patients received aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin and additional standard therapy for myocardial infarction (MI). Medication compliance was ensured by providing 1 month DAPT at no extra cost. Short-term follow-up at 1 and 3 months, for both patients was uneventful. Two-year, long-term follow-up, available for one patient has been uneventful.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Angioplasty
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mechanical Thrombolysis*
  • Myocardial Infarction / therapy*